
Glass J "? If 

Book____ 



AN 

ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY 

OR 

ANALYSIS 

OF THE 

ENGLu »H LANGUAGE: 

THE RADICALS AND DEi F WORDS 

DERIVED FROM 1 

GREEK, LATIN, AND FRENCH 

AND ALL THE GENERALLY rSEju 

TECHNICAL AND POLITE PKIL 

ADOPTED FROM 

THE FRENCH AND LATIN. 



BY WILLIAM GRIMSBAW, 

AUTHOR OF A HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, HISTOi 
ENGLAND, &C. 



»" Ut possem curvo dignosceve rectum, 



"^tqae imer silvas Aeademi quaeiere verum.*' 



PHILADELPHIA: 
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, 

BY LYDIA R. BAILEY. 



1821, 

T 



v^ 



EASTERN DISTRICT OF P r : \ lA t to wit : 

BE IT REMEMBF 2 twenty-sixth clay 

(L. S.) of July, in the forty- >fth« independence of the 

United States of _r. t A. D. 1821, William Grim- 

!>haw, of the said Distr' i .1 in this office the Title 

of a Book, the right i | | claims as Author, in the words 
following, to wit.- 

"AnEtymoh .ary or Analysis of the English Lan- 

guage :co> Is and definitions of words derived 

" from the « ■ . French, languages ; and all the gen- 

" erally polite phrases, adopted from the French 

William Grimshaw, author of a history of the 
ory of England, &c. 
— — ' Ut possem curvo dignoscere rectum, 
itque ^er silvas Academi quserere verum.' " 

jnformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, 
Jed, "An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing 
copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and prepri- 
nts of such copies, during the times therein mentioned." And 
also to the Act, entitled, " An Act supplementary to an Act, enti- 
tled * An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the 
copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors 
of such cpi es > during the times therein mentioned,' and extending 
"he bniefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etch- 
ing historical and other prints." 

D. CALDWELL, Clerk of the 

Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



MARY, ANN, CLEARY,* 



PREFACE. 



FEW sciences are more worthy of acquirement 
than Etymology. Next to the being endowed by nature 
with a mind of acute perception, large capacity, and 
correct judgment, there is no more powerful aid, to phi- 
losophical inquiries, than a precise understanding of the 
language in which knowledge is conveyed. If the terms 
of scientific instruction be* not clearly understood by the 
pupil, his perceptions will at first be imperfect, and in 
the end abortive : if not fully comprehended by the 
teacher, his manner will betray his ignorance; and, in 
place of developing his subject, he will involve it ; in- 
stead of delighting, he will fatigue. 

The English language, of the present day, with the 
exception of transitional and conjunctive words, is two 
fold. It consists of a dialect, emanated, without any 
material change, through the Saxon, from the Gothic 
or Teutonic ; and of another, derived immediately from 
the French, Latin, and Greek. The former is used by 
the common people and by children, and, occasionally, 
in familiar discourse, by the higher classes : the latter, 
by the learned and polite, the philosopher and historian, 
the orator and statesman. The first has descended to us 
from the various northern tribes, who, in the fifth cen- 
tury, expelled the Britains into Wales and Cornwall, 
The second, is of more recent birth. Additions from 
the French tongue commenced in the eleventh century, 
on the accession of Edward the Confessor to the English 
throne. This prince having been educated in Normandy, 
where he had contracted many intimacies with the na- 
tives, as well as a partiality for their manners, the court 
of England was soon filled with Normans ; who, being 
distinguished by the royal favour, and a superior degree 
of urbanity, rendered not only their'language, but their 
laws and customs, fashionable in the kingdom. The 



IV PREFACE. 

French tongue was very generally studied, and was 
used in their different writings by the lawyers. The 
subjection of the British people, by the duke of Nor- 
mandy, almost immediately after the death of Edward, 
served still more to intermingle the continental lan- 
guage. William endeavoured to abolish the English 
tongue. He ordered that the youth should be instructed 
in French, that the pleadings in the supreme court 
should be in that language, the laws written in the same, 
and that no other should be spoken at the royal court. 

Nearly five centuries before, the Latin had been used 
in England, in the service of the Roman church ; but, as 
few of the clergy, even in the time of Alfred, (who as- 
cended the throne in 871,) could interpret what they 
were repeating, the English language could not then 
have been rendered more copious, by the introduction 
of Latin words. Its history is involved in much obscu- 
rity. Even the additions, which had undoubtedly been 
made to the colloquial tongue by the use of the Norman 
amongst the higher orders, are not easily discovered or 
reduced to a certain date. The nobility were unlettered ; 
their discourse was, therefore, not committed to writing; 
the poets composed their rude verses in the homely dia- 
lect of the lower classes, and the historians their chroni- 
cles in Latin. Even so recently as the beginning of the 
last century, theological disputations as well as philoso- 
phical inquiries were frequently written in Latin. The 
national tongue was not yet sufficiently dignified, nor 
sufficiently copious, to gratify the pride or express the 
ideas of the learned ; nor were the readers, in any coun- 
try, numerous enough to repay the expense of translating, 
and of printing works of that kind in their own tongue. 
A reciprocal means of communication was therefore 
adopted, which rendered the original writings of the 
learned in one country intelligible to those in every other. 

Each succeeding year enlarges our verbal store. Every 
new invention or discovery, every new modification or 
combination, requires anew word. On these occasions, 
the elementary parts are seldom drawn from the national 
stock. The scientific terms, adopted by all modern na- 
tions, are almost exclusively constructed from the Greek 
or Latin. These are happily adapted to such a purpose. 



PREFACE. V 

The elliptical form required to express multum infiarvo, 
much in a small compass, would be repugnant to the 
mind and unpleasant to the ear, if compounded from the 
native tongue ; because the ellipsis would appear too vio- 
lent ; a harshness which is entirely avoided by the use of 
foreign words. 

There is little danger (though there is some,) of our 
mistaking the true signification of our vernacular dia- 
lect, — the Anglo-Saxon. That which we have been ac- 
customed to do from our childhood, we will do, almost 
instinctively, right. Words, in the use of which we have 
had so early and long continued experience, will be thor- 
oughly understood. Their various powers will be known 
without a glossary. But this cannot be said of the mod- 
ern portion of our language. Not having been required 
in youth, it has been neglected ; and we are hurried from 
the society who speak the other, into a maturer and 
more refined, whose discourse is, in a great measure, 
unintelligible to us. 

Many years will elapse, before we are enlightened ; 
much arduous application will be used, much painful 
degradation suffered. Even when we conceive that we 
have dispelled the obstructing clouds, we are encom- 
passed by a remaining mist, — by an opacity, more dan- 
gerous than complete darkness, because more deceitful. 
Without a previous classical education, (which is at- 
tained by few males, and scarcely by any females,) we 
are seriously perplexed : we know not which is the lite- 
ral, which the figurative import of a word ; how far the 
former may be extended, — within what bounds the lat- 
ter should be confined. We have derived our knowledge 
of ideal sounds from those who are not competent to 
teach, or willing to instruct ; who may mislead us through 
ignorance, or deceive us through design. We resemble 
a vessel without a pilot, which is subject to the variable 
directions of her crew, and, in tracing the windings of the 
channel, is wrecked upon its banks. 

The best verbal pilot is Etymology. But, except to 
the classical scholar, this guide has hitherto been want- 
ing. This is the first Etymological dictionary that has 
ever appeared, of any language, founded on a minute 
and regular system of analysis. Each word is here re- 



VI PREFACE. 

solved into its original elements. In words composed 
of a Preposition and a Verb, the appropriate meaning of 
the former, out of its multifarious significations, has 
been chosen, to suit its particular application ; and the 
latter has been displayed, either in its primitive shape 
or the inflexion used in its combination. The same mode 
has been adopted with regard to foreign Nouns. These 
generally come to us through their genitive case, whilst 
the Verbs very frequently reach us in their participial 
form. 

The present tense of the indicative mood, I consider 
as the root of Greek and Latin verbs ; to which part, I 
have therefore referred, as the fountain head : though, 
in accordance with academical usage, I have affixed to 
it the translation of the infinitive. Thus, I write metreo^ 
« to measure," whilst the real meaning is " I measure;" 
and facioy « to make," instead of « I make." I have 
also substituted the Roman Letters for the Greek, as 
the best suited to the simplicity of my design ; en- 
abling the mere English scholar to produce the sound 
indicated by the Greek characters with sufficient accu- 
racy ; whilst the radicals are, notwithstanding, exhibited 
in such a form, that a Greek scholar may easily find 
them in a lexicon. 

The most philosophical treatise on the derivation of 
English words is the. E«* n<regofl"r«e, or Diversions of Pur- 
ley, by Home Tooke. Had his plan embraced words 
derived from the learned languages, no occasion had of- 
fered for so inferior a philologist as the author of the 
present work to undertake this task. My labour would 
have been only manual. There would have been re- 
quired only a judicious selection and alphabetical ar- 
rangement. But he has confined his researches, with 
some desultory exceptions, to that portion of the lan- 
guage which is derived from the Saxon, and other bar- 
barous dialects of the north. Several inquiring minds 
had previously explored the remote sources of the English 
tongue. Junius, in the sixteenth, and Skinner in the 
seventeenth century, had exercised no small degree of 
ingenuity in ascending the intricate windings of the ety- 
mological stream ; but their various deductions of the 
same word excite scepticism and perplexity; and their 



PREFACE. Vll 

quaint subtleties, characteristic of the age in which they 
lived, instead of now promoting* admiration, excite con- 
tempt. 

The dictionary of Br. Johnson is, by many, thought 
to combine etymology with definition. But, this opinion, 
if the work be rightly examined, will be found errone- 
ous. Except in occasional instances, the foreign words 
are neither analysed nor translated ; nor is the mode 
shown by which the mind has compounded or deduced 
them. A mere English scholar, therefore, never ac- 
quires more than the exchange of one sound for another; 
but not always so much : for, as the Greek letters can- 
not be pronounced by him, they afford no intelligence, 
more lucid, than would be experienced by a Greek schol- 
ar, when staring, with stupid vacuity, at Arabic. He 
is informed, that cession is derived from cedo, accede, 
from accedo, geometry from ^a^g/s^ information that 
confers no benefit on the learned or on the unlearned. 
The latter has not, by this exhibition, received a single 
new idea ; the former, none, of which he was not pos- 
sessed before. 

The derivations have, in many instances, not been at- 
tempted by Dr. Johnson; and the haste in which his 
voluminous work was compiled, has prevented a uni- 
formity of system. 

A considerable number of phrases, wholly French or 
Latin, are now interspersed throughout our language. 
They have not been admitted into any English dictiona- 
ry ; yet, it is not less essential to know their meaning, 
than the signification of any words that we have fully 
naturalized. These have not been excluded from the 
present work. There is no essay of the scientific, nor 
interchange of sentiment amongst the polite, that does 
not require them. Every newspaper exhibits them : the 
lawyer employs them to elucidate his argument, the 
senator to adorn his oration, and the ambassador to un- 
fold, in technical phraseology, the intention of his gov- 
ernment. 

Much more might be adduced on this subject. But 
the author refers, for practical illustration, to the work 
itself. The design, he is little fearful, will be approved, 
—though he is less confident of the execution. A liberal 



Vlll PREFACE. 

critic will, however, make due allowance on account of 
its peculiar difficulty, — as well from its novelty as its in- 
tricacy; and, if he discerns, upon examination of the 
whole, that the author, notwithstanding some injudicious 
examples, possesses abilities competent to the design, he 
will pronounce a favourable verdict, and expect that the 
errors of a first edition may be corrected in a second. 

Philadelphia, July, 26th, 1821. 



ABBREVIATIONS. 

F. French. L. Latin. G. Greek. — v. verb, s. sub- 
stantive, adj. adjective, prefi. preposition, part, parti- 
ciple. — p. part, a passive participle, sup. supine. — pos. 
positive, compar. comparative, superl. superlative. — 
comp. compounded. — nom. nominative, gen. genitive, 
dat. dative, accus. accusative, abl. ablative. — dim. di- 
minutive, incep. or incept, inceptive. 



ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY. 



ABA— ABI 



ABASE, v. To lower in rank. F. abaisser; L. dd, to, 

and basis, the foot or base of a pillar. 
ABASH, v. To make ashamed, or to lower a person in 

his own opinion. F. abaisser. See ABASE. 
ABATE, v. To lessen. F. abbatre ; L. a, from, and 

batuo, to beat. 
ABBOT. s. The chief of a convent, or fellowship of 

canons. Low L» abbas; from a Hebrew word, signify- 
ing father. 
ABBREVIATE, v. To shorten. L. abbrevio ; from 

brevis, short. 
ABDICATE, v. To resign. L». abdice ; ab, from, and 

dico, to declare. 
ABDOMEN, s. The lower cavity of the body. L, abdo- 
men; from abdo, to hide. 
ABDUCE. v. To draw away. L. abduco; comp. of ab y 

from, and duco, to lead, 
ABDUCENT, adj. A term applied to those muscles 

which serve to open or pull back parts of the body. 

L. abducens, part, of abduco. See ABDUCE. 
ABDUCTION, s. The act of drawing away; a form of 

argument, L. abductio. See ABDUCE. 
ABERRANCE, s. Deviation. L. aberrans, part, of 

aberro ; comp. of ad, from, and erro, to wander. 
ABHOR, v. To detest. L. abhorreo; comp, of ab, from, 

and horreo, to tremble. 
ABILITY. «. Power; mental efficiency. F, kabilete / 

L. habilitas, from habeo, to have. 
AB INITIO. From the beginning. L. ab, from, initio, 

abl. of iniiium, a beginning, 

en 



ABJ— ABS 

ABJECT, adj. Worthless ; mean ; groveling. L. abjec- 
tus, p. part, of abjicio, to cast out; ab, from, and jacio, 
to throw. 

ABJURE, v. To swear not to do, or not to have. L. ab- 
juro ; comp. of ab, from, and juro, to swear. 

ABLATIVE, adj. Relating to that case in grammar, 
which, amongst other significations, includes the per- 
son from whom something is taken. L. ablativus; from 
ablatus, p. part, of aufero, to take away. 

ABLUTION. 5. The act of cleansing. L. ablutio; ab, 
from, and lautus, part, of lavo, to wash. 

ABOLISH, v. To annul. L. aboleo; a, from, and bolus, 
a mass, or heap ; meaning, that when a thing is abol- 
ished, it is detached from the general practice. 

ABORIGINES, s. The earliest known inhabitants of 
a country. L. aborigines ; comp. of ab, from, and 
origo, the beginning. 

ABORTION, s. Premature birth ; produce of a prema- 
ture birth; failure of design. L. abortio; from aborto, 
to miscarry ; ab, from, and ortus, part, of orior, to come 
suddenly. 

ABORTIVE, adj. Relating to a failure of design. L. 
abortivus. See ABORTION. 

ABROGATE, v. To repeal. L. abrogo; comp. of ab, 
from, and rogo, to entreat; meaning, that by entreaty, 
a law had been annulled. 

ABRUPT, adj. Sudden ; unexpected. L. abrufitus, 
p. part, of abrumfio: ab, from, and rumfio, to break. 

ABSCESS, s. A morbid cavity. L. abscessus; comp. of 
ab, from, and cessus, p. part, of cedo, to retire. 

ABSCIND, v. To cut off. L. abscindo : ab, from, and 
scindo, to cut. 

ABSCISSION, s. The act of cutting off. L. abscissio; 
from abscissus, p. part, of abscindo. See ABSCIND. 

ABSCOND, v. To depart secretly. L. abscondo; comp. 
of ab, from, and condo, to hide. 

ABSENT, adj. Not present, L. absens, part, of absum; 
ab, from, and sum, I am. 

ABSOLUTE, adj. Unconditional. L. absolutus, (p. part. 
of absohw,) perfect, accomplished. See ABSOLVE. 

ABSOLUTION. s. Acquittal; remission of sins. L. 
absolutio ; from absolvus, p. part, of absolvo. See 
ABSOLVE. 



ABS—ACC 

ABSOLVE, v. To free, or acquit. L. abaolvo; coiiip. 

of ab, from, and solvo, to loosen. 
ABSONANT, adj. Not to the purpose. L. absonans; 

part, of absono; ab, from, and aono, to sound. 
ABSORB, v. To draw in. L. absorbeo; a b, from, and 

sorbeo, to suck. 
ABSTAIN, v. To forbear. L. abatineo; ab, from, and 

teneo, to hold. 
ABSTEMIOUS, adj. Temperate in diet, Sec. L. abate- 

miua. See ABSTAIN. 
ABSTERGENT, adj. Cleansing. L. abstergens, part. 

of abatergeo, to wipe clean. 
ABSTINENCE. a. Forbearance from diet, Sec. L. See 

ABSTAIN. 
ABSTRACT, v. To take from. L. abstractum, sup. of 

abatraho; ab, from, and traho, to draw. 
ABSTRUSE, adj. Hidden; difficult. L. abstruaus, part. 

of abstrudo, to conceal - f ab, from, and trudo? to thrust, 
ABSURD, adj. Contrary to reason. L. absurdus; from 

aurdus, deaf, hearing to no purpose. 
ABUNDANT, adj. Plentiful. L. abundans, part, of 

abundo; comp. of ab, from, and undo, to flow. 
ABUSE, a. The act of using improperly. L. ab, from, 

and uaus, the custom, or practice. 
ABYSS. a. A depth without bottom ; a prodigious gulf. 

L. abyaaua ; G. abuaaoa ; a, without, and buaaoa, a 

bottom. 
ACADEMY, a. A place where sciences are taught. 

Academua, of Athens, whose house was converted into 

a school. 
ACCEDE, v. To agree to. L. accedo; from ad, to, and 

cedo, to yield. 
ACCELERATE, v. To hasten. L. accelero; ad, to, and 

celero, to give speed. 
ACCENT, a. Manner of speaking or pronouncing ; 

sound given to a particular syllable; mark of that 

sound. F. accent, a tune, or note ; L. ad, to., and 

cantum, sup. of cano, to sing. 
ACCEPT, v. To receive willingly. L. accefitum, sup, 

of accifiio; ab, from, and cafiio, to take. 
ACCESS, a. Means of approach. L. accesaus; from ad^ 

to, and ceaaum, (sup. of cedo) to give way. 



ACC—ACH 

ACCESSARY, s. An accomplice. L. From the same 

roots as access; because aiding in gaining access. 
ACCIDENT, s. Chance. L. accidens, part, of decide; 

from ad, towards, and cado, to fall. 
ACCITE. v. To induce. L. accitum, sup. of accio; ad, 

to, and cieo, to move. 
ACCLAMATION, s. Loud applause. L. acclamatio ; 

from ad, to, and clamo, to call loudly. 
ACCLIVITY, s. Steepness, reckoned upwards. L. ac- 

clivitas; from ad, to, and clivus, a slope. 
ACCOMMODATE, v. To render a convenience. L, 

accommodo; ad, to, and commodo, to lend. 
ACCOMPLICE. s. A partner in crime. F. complice; 

L. complex; con, together, and jilico, to fold. 
ACCOMPLISH, v. To complete; to execute fully. F. 

accomplir; L. comfileo; con, with, and fileo, to fill. 
ACCORD, -v. To agree. F. accorder; L. ad, to, and 

co?', the heart. 
ACCOST, v. To speak to. F. accoster; from a, to, and 

oo?<?, (formerly coste ) the side; meaning, to approach. 
ACCOUNT, s. A computation; a narrative. F. accomfit; 

L. con, together, and fiuto, to adjust. 
ACCOUTRE, -v. To equip. F. accoutrer, to dress. 
ACCREDIT, v. To authorize by a written commission, 

L. accredo; from ad, to, and credo, to trust. 
ACCRUE, v. To be added to. F. accru, (part, of ac- 

croitre;) L. ad, to, and curro, to run. 
ACCUMULATE, v. To heap together. L. accumulo; 

from ad, to, and cumulus, 3. pile. 
.ACCURATE, adj. Correct. L. accuratus; from ad. 

with, and cw?-a, care. 
ACCUSATIVE. ad/. Relating to that case in gram- 

mar, upon which the action of the verb or preposition 

terminates. L. accusativus. See ACCUSE. 
ACCUSE, -v. To charge with a crime. L. accuso; 

from causor, to plead, or blame. 
ACE. s. One. L. acus, a small point; or G. heis, one. 
ACERBITY, s. Sourness. L. acerbitas; from acer, 

sharp, or painful; acer is from ocm*, a sharp point. 
ACETOUS, arf;. Sour. L. acetum, vinegar. See ACID. 
ACHE. s. Pain. G. achos, pain. This word may be 

derived also from the Saxon. 
ACHIEVE, v. To perform. F. achever, to complete. 



ACI— -ADD 

ACID. 8, A sour substance. L. acidus; from acus, a 

small point. 
ACIDULATE, v. To make sour. L. From the same 

root as acid, with the addition of latus, brought ; that 

is, brought to a state of acidity. 
ACME. s. The height especially of a disease. G, akme, 

the point or edge. 
ACOUSTICS. *. The doctrine of sounds. G. akou- 

stika; from akouo, to hear. 
ACQUAINT, v. To make familiar with. Y.accointer, 

to inform. 
ACQUIESCE, v. To be satisfied with, either really or 

apparently. L. acquiesco ; from ad, concerning, and 

quiesco, to become quiet. 
ACQUIRE, v. To obtain. L. acquiro ; comp. of ab, 

from, and quaro, to seek. 
ACQUIT, v. To declare innocent. F. acquitter; L, ad, 

to, and quietus, rest. 
ACRID, adj. Of a hot, biting taste ; bitter. L. acer, 

sharp. See ACID. 
ACRIMONIOUS, adj. Bitter; severe. L. acrimonia, 

sharpness; from acer, sharp, and moneo, to chide. 
ACROMATICAL. adj. Belonging to profound learn- 
ing. G. akros, highest, and mateuo, to seek. 
ACROSTIC, s. A poem, of which the first letter of 

every line being taken, a particular name is found. G. 

akros, outermost, and stichos, a verse. 
ACT. v. To perform. L. actum, sup. of ago, to do. 
ACTUAL, adj. Real. F. actuel. See ACT. 
ACUMEN, s. Acuteness of mental perception. L. 

acumen; from acus, a needle, or sharp point. 
ACUTE, adj. Ending in a point; of a penetrating mind. 

L. acutus; from acus. See ACUMEN. 
ADAGE, s. A short maxim. L. adagium; addo, to add 

or adjoin. 
ADAPT, v. To fit. L. adafitoj from ad, to, and afito, to fit. 
ADD. v. To join; to perform addition. L. addo; from 

ad, to, and do, to give. 
ADDENDA. Things to be added. L. addendus, p. part. 

of addo, to add. 
ADDICT, v. To devote. L. addlctum, sup. of addico, 

from ad, to, and dico, to dedicate. 
[2*] 



ADD— ADJ 

ADDUCE, v. To offer in argument. L. adduco; from 

ad, to, and duco, to bring 1 . 
ADDUCENT, adj. A term applied to those muscles 

which draw together the parts of the body. L. addu- 

cens, part, of adduco: ad, to, and duco, to draw, 
ADEMPTION. *. Taking away; privation. L. adewp- 

tio; a, from, and de nipt us, p. part, of demo y to take 

away. 
ADEPT. s. One completely skilled in a particular art. 

L. adefitus, part, of adipiscor, to obtain. 
ADEQUATE, adj. Equal to; proportionate. L. adegucr- 

tus; from ad, for, and guitum, sup. of gueo, to be able. 
ADHERE, -v. To stick. L. adhareoj from ad, to, and 

h<ereo, to stick. 
ADHESION, s. Sticking fast. Adhesion is used in 

the natural, and Adherence in the figurative, sense. 

L. adhxsio ; from adhasus, part, of adhcereo. See 

ADHERE. 
ADIEU, int. Farewell. F. aZtow,toGod; that is, « I 

commend you to God." 
AD INFINITUM. Without end. L. ad, to, infinitum, 

-arccus. of infinities, endless. 
ADJACENT, adj. Neighbouring. L. adjacens; from 

ad, to, and jacens, (part, of jaceo) lying. 
ADJECT, v. To place to. L. adjectum, sup. of a djicio; 

from ad, to, and jacio, to throw. 
ADJECTIVE, s. A word added to a noun. L. adjec- 

tivum; from ad, to, and jactus, (p. part, of jacio) 

thrown. 
ADJOIN, v. To unite to. F. adjoindre; L. ad, to, and 

jungo, to join. 
ADJOURN. ?>> To put off. F. adjourner; from a, to, 

and jour, [another] day. 
ADJUDICATION. *. The act of judging, or of grant- 
ing something by a judicial sentence. L. adjudicatio; 

adjudico, to give sentence: judeoc-, a judge. 
ADJUNCT, adj. United to. L. adjunctus, p. part, of 

adjungo. See ADJOIN. 
ADJURE, v. To impose an oath, &c. L. adjuroj from 

ad, concerning, and juro, to swear. 
ADJUST, v. To regulate. F. adjuster; L. Justus, 

right, 



ADJ— ADV 

ADJUTANT, s. An assistant officer. F. adjutant; L, 

ad, and jutum, sup. oijuvo, to help. 
AD LIBITUM. At pleasure. L. ad, to, libitum, the 

will. 
ADMINISTER. v. To give ; to perform. L. adminie- 

tro; from ad, to, and ministro, to attend. 
ADMIRE, -v. To regard with wonder, or pleasure, L, 

admirorj from ad, at, and miror, to wonder. 
ADMISSIBLE, adj. That which may be admitted. L. 

admUsum, su*p. of admitto. See ADMIT. 
ADMIT, v. To let in, or grant. L. admitto; from atf, 

into, and mitto, to send. 
ADMIX, v. To mingle. L. admixtum, sup. of admi&- 

ceo; comp. of ad, to, and misceo, to mix. 
ADMONISH, v. To reprove gently. L. admoneo; from 

ad, to, and moneo, to advise. 
ADOLESCENCE. «. The age succeeding childhood. 

L. adolescentia; from adolesco, to grow. 
ADOPT, -v. To receive as our own. L. adofito; from 

arf, for, and o/^o, to select. 
ADORE, v. To worship. L. adoro; from gg?, to, and oro, 

to speak or entreat. 
AD QUOD DAMNUM. The title of a writ of inquiry, 

to ascertain what injury may possibly be done, by the 

erection of a new market, &c. to another market al- 
ready established. L. ad, concerning, quod, what, 

damnum, loss. 
ADROIT, adj. Dextrous. F. adroit; a, from, and droit, 

the right hand. 
ADULATION, s. Extreme flattery. L. adulatio, the 

fawning of a dog; G. skulakion, gen. of kuon, a dog. 
ADULT. «. A person full grown. L. adultus, (p. part, 

of adoleo J grown up. 
AD VALOREM. According to the value. L. ad, ac- 
cording to, valorem, accus. of valor, value. 
ADVANCE, v. To go, or come, forward. F. avancer; 

avant, before. 
ADVANTAGE, s. Gain; superiority. F. avantage, 

See ADVANCE. 
ADVENT, s. A holy season. L. adventu8 t the coming 

£of the Redeemer.] 



ADV— AFF 

ADVENTITIOUS, adj. Accidental ; extrinsic. L. att- 

ventitius; from ad, to, and ventum, sup. of venio, to 

come. 
ADVENTURE, s. An enterprise. F. aventure; L. ad- 

venturus, about to happen ; from advenio: ad, to, and 

venio, to come. 
ADVERB, s. A word joined to another word. L. ad- 

verbium; from ad, to, and verbum, a word. 
ADVERSE, adj. Opposing. L. adversus; from ad, 

against, and versus, p. part, of verto, to turn. 
ADVERT, v. To attend to ; to speak of. L. adverto; 

from ad, to, and verto, to turn. 
ADVERTISE, i/. To inform ; to make public. L. ad, 

to, and verto, to turn [attention.] 
ADVISE, v. To counsel. F. aviser, (formerly adviser; J 

from ad, upon, and visum, (sup. of video J to see, or 

consider. 
ADVOCATE, s. A pleader. L. advocatus; from atf, for, 

and t;oco, to call out, or speak. 
AD VOLUTION, s. The act of rolling towards. L. ad- 

volutio; from ad, to, and volutus, p. part, of volvo, te 

roll. 
AERIFORM, adj. Gaseous ; having the form of air. L. 

a'e'r, air, and forma, shape. 
AEROLOGY, s. The doctrine of the atmosphere. G. 

aer, air, and logos, a description. 
AEROMETRY. *. The art of measuring the air. G. 

aer, air, and metreo, to measure. 
AERONAUT, s. One who ascends in a balloon. L. 

aer, the air, and nauta, a sailor. G. aer, and nautes. 
AFFABLE, adj. Agreeable in discourse. F. affable; L. 

ad, to, and fabulor, to be spoken ; that is, an affable 

person is one who may be spoken to. 
AFFAIR, s. Business. F. affaire; ivovafaire, to do. 
AFFECT, v.. To influence ; to pretend. L. affectum, 

sup. of afficio; comp. of ad, to, andyhczo, to do. 
AFFECTION. s. Love ; personal attachment. L. affec- 

tio. See AFFECT. 
AFFIANCE, v. To betroth. F. affiance, a marriage 

contract ; from affier, to engraft. 
AFFIDAVIT, s. A declaration upon oath. L. This 

word is contracted from an expression of the common 



AFF— AG! 

law, — ad Jidem dedit ; that is, he has given assurance 
concerning [this matter.] 

AFFINITY, s. Relation; chemical propensity. L. affi- 
nitas; from ad, to, and finis, a boundary, or border. 

AFFIRM, v. To declare. L. affirmo; from ad, concern- 
ing, and fir mo, to establish. 

AFFIX, v. To join to the end. L. afflxum, sup. of affl- 
go; from ad, to, and figo, to fasten. 

AFFLICT, v. To cause pain. L. afflictum, sup. of 
affligo; from ad, against, and jligo, to dash. 

AFFLUENT, adj. Rich. L. affluens, part, of affluo; 
from ad, to, and JLuo, to flow. 

AFFLUX, s. The act of flowing to ; the thing which 
flows. L. affluxus; from affluo: ad, to, axidfitio, to flow. 

AFFRAY, s. A tumultuous battle. F. effrayer, (for- 
merly effriger) to terrify; L. fragor, a noise. 

AFFRONT, v. To insult. F. affronter; L. ad, to, and 
from, the face; meaning, to insult a man before his 
face. 

AFFUSION, s. The act of pouring one thing upon an- 
other. L. affusio ; affusus, p. part, of affundo : ad, 
upon, and /undo, to pour. 

A FORTIORI. With stronger reason. L. a, with, for- 
tiori, abl. offortior, stronger. 

AGENT. 5. That which acts. L. agens, part, of ago, 
to act. 

AGGLOMERATE, -v. To come together, as a ball. L. 
agglomero; from glomus, a ball of yarn. 

AGGLUTINATE, y. To join: (used chiefly in medical 
language:) L. ad, to, and gluten, glue. 

AGGRANDIZE, v. To make great; to increase in pow- 
er. F. aggrandiser; from grand, great. L. grafidis. 

AGGRAVATE, v. To make worse. L. aggravo; from 
ad, and gravo, to burthen. 

AGGREGATE, s. The entire. L. aggrego, to accu- 
mulate; from grex, a flock. 

AGGRESSION, s. The first injury. L. aggressio ; 
from «rf, towards, and gradus, a step. 

AGILITY, s. Activity. F. agilite; L. agilitas; from 
og-o, to act. 

AGITATE, v. To shake, L. agito; ago, to act. 



AGO— ALL 

AGONY, s. Extreme pain. G. agon, strife; alluding tc 
the contest between life and death. 

AGRARIAN, adj. Relating to land. L. agrarius; from 
ager, a field. 

AGREE, -v. To be in concord; to be of the same opin- 
ion. F. agreer; L. ad, to, and gratia, good-will. 

AGRICULTURE, s. Improvement of land. L. agricul- 
tural ager, a field, and cutter, a plough. 

AID -DE-CAMP. s. An officer who conveys the orders 
of a military commander. F. aide, an assistant, de, of, 
camji, the field. 

ALACRITY, a. Cheerful speed. L. alacritas; from 
ala, a wing. 

A-LA-MODE. F. a la mode, according to the fashion. 

ALARM, s. Notice of danger. F. a I* armes! to arms ! 

ALBUMEN, s. That which forms the serum of the 
blood, the white of eggs, Sec. L. album, the white 
of an egg. 

ALCHEMY. s. Formerly signified the most abstruse 
part of chemistry, as the attempt to transmute com- 
mon metals into gold ; but it is no longer ranked 
amongst the sciences. Arabic, al, the, and G. chuo, 
to melt. 

ALCHYMY. s. See ALCHEMY. 

ALERT, adj. Brisk; watchful. F. alerte; L. ala, a wing. 

ALIAS. Otherwise; or: thus; "Donnel, alias O'Donnell." 
L. alias, in another manner. 

ALIBI. Means that the culprit was absent when the 
crime was committed. L. alibi, elsewhere. 

ALIEN, s. A foreigner. L. alienus; from alius, another, 

ALIENATE, v. To transfer to another; to withdraw 
the affections. L. alieno. See ALIEN. 

ALIMENT, s. Food. L. alimentum; from alo, to nourish. 

ALIMONY, s. Legal allowance by a husband to his wife, 
after separation. L. alimonia; from alo, to nourish. 

ALIQUOT, adj. Even; without a remainder, — as 2 is 
an aliquot part of 10. L. aliquot; from aliquoties, cer- 
tain times. 

ALLEGATION. s. Affirmation; thing alleged. L. alle- 
gatio. See ALLEGE. 

ALLEGE, v. To affirm. L. allcgo; from ad, to, and 
lege, to impute. 



ALL— AMA 

ALLEGIANCE. *. The duty of a subject. F. allege- 
ance; L. ad, and legem, [bound] to the law. 

ALLEGORY, s. A figurative relation. G. allegoria; 
from alios, another, and angareuo, to make a speech. 

ALLEVIATE, v. To lighten. L. allevo; ad, from, and 
levo, to lift. 

ALLIANCE, s. A league. F. alliance. See ALLY. 

ALLIGATION, s. The arithmetical rule which teaches 
to adjust the price of compounds, formed of several 
ingredients of different value. L. allegation from alligo: 
ad, together, and ligo, to bind. 

ALLITERATION, s. Beginning several successive 
words with the same letter. L. ad and litera, [adhe- 
ring] to a letter. 

ALLUDE, v. To speak of indirectly. L. alludo; from 
ad, towards, and ludo, to play, — perhaps originally 
used respecting the episodes of a lively composition. 

ALLURE, v. To entice. F. a, to, and leurre, a decoy, 
or bait. 

ALLUSION, s. A hint. L. See ALLUDE. 

ALLUVIAL, adj. Relating to alluvion. 

ALLUVION, s. That which is carried by a flood; as 
land formed near a river. F. alluvion: L. alluvio, an 
inundation of water; alluo, to flow near to : ad, to, and 
luo, to wash away. 

ALLY. s. A confederate. F. allie; a, to, and Her, (L. 
ligo) to tie. 

ALPHA TO OMEGA. From the beginning to the 
end : alpha is the first, and omega the last letter, of 
the Greek alphabet. 

ALPHABET, s. The letters of a language. G. alflh* 
and beta, the first two letters of the Greek alphabet. 

ALTAR, s. A place raised for worship. L. altare; from 
altus, high. 

ALTER, v. To change. L, alter, another. 

ALTERCATION, s. Dispute. F. altercation: L. alter- 
catio; from alterco, to contend. 

ALTERNATIVE. *. Choice of two things. F. alter- 
natif; L. alterno, every second thing. 

ALTITUDE, s. Height. ~L. altitudo; from altus, high. 

AMALGAM. *. A composition of metals. G. ama, to- 
gether, and gameo, to marry. 



AMA— AMI 

AMALGAMATE, v. To form into amalgam ; to unite 

intimately. See AMALGAM. 
AMANUENSIS, s. A writer employed by an author, 

&c. L. amanuensis ; from ad, in place of, and manus, 

a hand. 
AMASS, v. To accumulate. F. a?nasser; L. ad, to, and 

?nassa^ a heap. 
AMATEUR, s. A lover of any particular pursuit or 

system. F. amateur; L. amator, a lover; from amo, 

to love. 
AMATORY, adj. Relating to love. L. amator, a lover; 

from amo, to love. 
AMAZON, s. One of the warlike nation of women who 

inhabited Caucasus ; said to have cut off their breasts, 

that they might the more easily use their weapons. 

G. a, not, and mazos, a breast. 
AMBASSADOR, s. A state messenger. F. ambassa- 

deur ; L. ambio, to go about, or make interest for. 
AMBIDEXTROUS, adj. Expert with both hands, 

L. ambidexter; from ambo, both, and dexter, right- 
handed. 
AMBIGUOUS, adj. Having a double meaning; doubt- 
ful. L. ambiguas ; from ambo, both. 
AMBITION, s. Desire of eminence. L. ambitio; from 

ambio, to go about, or solicit. 
AMBROSIA, s. The imaginary food of the gods. G. 

ambrosia; from ambrotos, immortal. 
AMBUSCADE, s. A hostile concealment. F. embus- 

cade; en, in, and bois, a wood. 
AMENABLE, adj. Responsible; tractable. F. a mesna- 

ble ; L. emendo, to reform. See AMEND. 
AMEND, v. To reform. L. emendo; comp. of e, from, 

and menda, a blemish. 
AMENITY, s. Agreeableness. L. amxnitas; from amoe- 

nus, pleasant to the eye : mania, cities. 
A MEJYSA ET THORO. From bed and board. L. a, 

from, mensa, a table, et, and, thoro, abl. of thorus, a 

bed. 
AMERCE, v. To fine. F. amercier; L. merces, a 

penalty. 
AMIABLE, adj. Lovely; virtuous. F. aimable; L, 

aino, to love. 



AMI— ANA 

AMICABLE, adj. Friendly. L. amicabilis ; from amo, 
to love. 

AMITY, s. Friendship ; peace. F. amitie ; L. amicitia: 
amo, to love. 

AMNESTY. s. An act of oblivion. G. amnestia ; from 
a, not, and mnaomai, to remember. 

AMOROUS, adj. Loving; lustful. L. amor, love. 

AMQR-PATRI2E. The love of one's country. L. amor, 
love, fiatrise, gen. of fiatria, a country. 

AMPHIBIOUS, adj. Capable of living in different ele- 
ments. G. amfthi, opposite, and bios, life; that is, en- 
joying life on land or in water. But the etymology of 
this word does not confine its relation to land and water; 
though it is erroneously supposed to be thus limited. 
Were it compounded, in part, of amfiho, both, it should 
be written amfihobious ; but, as it is amjihi, (contra,) 
opposite, the word is rightly spelled— amfihibious. 

AMPHITHEATRE, s. A circular or oval building; of 
which, the area, or pit, is reserved for exhibitions, and 
surrounded by seats, one above another. G. amfthithea- 
iron; from amfihi, around, and theaomai, to see. 

AMPLE, adj. Sufficient. F. amfile ; L. amfilus, large, 

AMPLIFY, v. To enlarge, F. amfili/ierj L. amfilus, 
large, and^o, to be made. 

AMPUTATE, v. To cut off. L. am/iuto. comp. of ab, 
from, and fiuto, to lop. 

AMUSE, v. To entertain. F. amuser ; L. musa, a song 
or poem. 

ANABAPTIST, s. One who opposes the baptism of in- 
fants. G. ana, again, and bafito, to wash ; because 
the original followers of that doctrine, had been chris- 
tened when children, and were again baptized, when 
adults, by immersion. 

ANACHRONISM, s. Error in computing time. F. ana* 
chronisme ; G. ana, against, and chronos, time. 

ANACREONTIQUE. s. A poem in the manner of 
Anacreon, of Ionia; who wrote in Greek. 

ANAGRAM, s. A conceit, arising from the transposi- 
tion of letters. G. ana, opposite to, and gramma, a 
letter. 

ANALECTIC. adj. Selecting. G. ana, again, and lek- 
tos, collected. 



ANA— ANG 

ANALOGY, s. Resemblance. F. analogic ; G. analogia ; 
from ana, with, and logos, a word. 

ANALYSIS, s. Separation. G. analusis ; from ana, se- 
parately, and luo, to dissolve. 

ANALYTIC, or ANALYTICAL. By analysis; exam- 
ining minutely: See ANALYSIS. 

ANARCHY, s. National confusion. G. anarchia; from 
a, without, and arche, government. 

ANATOMY, s. The art of dissection. G. anatomiaj 
from ana, separately, and temno, to cut. 

ANCESTOR, s. A family predecessor. L. antecessor ; 
from ante, before, and cessum, sup. of cedo, to go. 
Ancestor has, rationally, the same meaning as prede- 
cessor; but is used only in relation to a person of the 
same blood. 

ANCHOR, s. An instrument for holding a ship in a cer- 
tain place. L. anchora ; G. ankure, safety. 

ANCHORITE, s. A religious recluse. G. anachoreo, to 
withdraw. 

ANCIENT, adj. Of great age. F. ancien; L. ante, be- 
fore. 

ANCILLARY, adj. Subservient. L. ancilla, a maid-ser- 
vant. 

ANECDOTE, s. Secret history; biographical incident. 
G. anekdoton; from a, not, and ekdidoni, to publish. 

ANEMOGRAPHY, *. Description of the cause of the 
winds. G. anemos, the wind, and grafiho, to write. 

ANEMOMETER, s. An instrument for measuring the 
power or velocity of the wind. G. anemos, the wind, 
and metreo, to measure. 

ANEMOSCOPE. *. An instrument to show the di- 
rection of the wind. G. anemos, the wind, and skofieo, 
to view. 

ANEURISM, s. An irregular dilation of an artery. G. 
aneuro, to dilate. 

ANGEL, s. A celestial inhabitant, or messenger. G. an- 
gello, to deliver a message. 

ANGLE, s. A term in mathematics. L. angulus, a cor- 
ner. 

ANGLICE' . In English. L. Anglice: Anglicus, English. 

ANGUISH. 5. Excessive pain. F. angoisse ; L. an go, 
to strangle. 



ANI— ANO 

ANIMADVERT, v. To censure. L. animadverto; from 
animum, the mind: ad, to, verto, to turn. 

ANIMAL. s. A living creature. L. animal, a living crea- 
ture; G. anima, breath. 

ANIMATE. ~v. To enliven. L. animo.— See ANIMAL. 

ANIMOSITY, s. Vehement hatred. L.animositasj from 
animus, resolution, passion. 

ANNALS, s. History, in which the events are recorded 
in yearly succession. L. annates; from annus, a year, 

ANNEX, v. To unite. L. annexum, sup. of c<nnecto; 
ad, to, and necto, to join. 

ANNIHILATE, v. To destroy. L. a d, to, and ra&i7, no- 
thing. 

ANNIVERSARY, s. Yearly return. L. anniversarius; 
from anni, of a year, and versus, a turning : annus and 
-verto. 

ANNO DOMINI, or A. D. The sign of the Christian 
era. L. anno, in the year, Domini, of our Lord. 

ANNO MUNDI, or A.M. A term in chronology, re- 
ferring to the creation. L. anno, in the year, mundi, of 
the world. 

ANNOTATOR. s. A commentator. L. annotator; from 
ad, concerning, and noto, to mark. 

ANNOUNCE, v. To proclaim. L. annuncioj from ad % 
to, and nuncio, to relate. 

ANNO URBIS CONDITJE, or A. U. C. A term in 
Roman chronology. L. anno, in the year, urbis, of the 
city, (Rome,) conditce, being built. 

ANNOY. v. To molest. F. annoyer; L. ad, to, and no- 
ceo, to hurt. 

ANNUAL, adj. Yearly. F. annuel: L. annus, a year. 

ANNUITY, s. Yearly allowance. F. annuite; L. annus, 
a year, and Hum, sup. of eo, to go, or proceed. 

ANNUL, v. To abolish. L. ad, to, and nullus, of no ac- 
count. 

ANNULAR, adj. In the form of a ring. L. annulus, a 
ring. 

ANODYNE, s. A mitigator of pain. G. ana, against, 
and odune, pain. 

ANOINT, v. To rub with ointment. F. enoint, part, of 
enoindre; L, in, upon, and unctio, ointment. 



ANO—ANT 

ANOMALOUS, adj. Irregular. G. a, not, and nemos, 

a law. 
ANONYMOUS, adj. Without a name. L. anonymus: 

G. a, without, and onuma, a name. 
ANTAGONIST, s. An opponent. F. antagoniste: G. 

ami, against, and agonizo, to contend. 
ANTARCTIC, adj. A term in astronomy. G. anti, op- 
posite, and arctic. 
ANTECEDENT, s. That which goes before. L. ante- 

cedens; from ante, before, and cedens, part, of cedo, 

to go. 
ANTEDATE, v. To date earlier than the proper time. 

L. ante, before, and date. 
ANTEDILUVIAN, adj. Existing before the flood. L. 

ante, before, and diluvium,'^, deluge. 
ANTEMERIDIAN, or A. M. L. ante, before, meri- 

dies, noon. 
ANTEPENULT, s. The last syllable except two. L. 

av.tefienultujia; ante, ht{ore,p.ene, almost, ultimus, the 

last. 
ANTERIOR, adj. Previous. L. anterior, the compar. 

form of ante, before. 
ANTHEM, s. A hymn, sung in alternate parts; any 

holy song. G. anthumnos; from anti, opposite to, and 

humneo, to sing in verse, or to praise. 
ANTHROPOPHAGI, s. Eaters of human flesh. G. an- 

throjios, a man, and fi/iago, to eat. 
ANTICHRISTIAN. adj. Opposed to Christianity. G 

anti, against, and Christian. 
ANTICIPATE, -v. To act or think before an event. L 

anticijio; from ante, before, and cafiio, to take. 
ANTIC, adj. Strange; ridiculous. L. antiquus, ancient, 
ANTICLIMAX. s. A sentence, of which the last part 

expresses something lower than the first. G. anti, op 

posite to, and climax. 
ANTIDOTE, s. A remedy for poison. G. antidotos 

from anti, against, and dotos, given. 
ANTIFEBRILE, adj. Efficacious against fever. G. anti 

against, and l^.febris, a fever. 
ANTIFEDERALIST. s. A person who was opposed to 

the tenor of the federal constitution of the United 

States of America. G. anti, against, and federalist. 



ANT— APH 

ANTIPATHY, s. Fixed dislike. G. anti, against, and 

pathos, feeling. 
ANTIPHONY. s. An echo. G. anti, against, and/2/*o- 

ne, a voice. 
ANTIPHRASIS. s. An expression in which the words 

are used in a sense opposite to their just meaning. G. 

anti, Opposite to, and phrasis, a form of speech. 
ANTIPODES, s. People who live on opposite meridi- 
ans, and in opposite latitudes. G. anti, opposite to, 

and podes, feet. 
ANTIQUARY, s. A searcher of ancient things. L. an- 

tiquarius; from ante, before, and quaro, to seek. 
ANTISCORBUTIC, adj. Efficacious against scurvy. 

G. anti, against, and scorbutic. 
ANTISEPTIC, adj. Preventive of putrefaction. F. an- 

tiseptique: G. anti, against, and sepo, to putrefy. 
ANTISPASMODIC, adj. Efficacious against cramp. 

G. anti, against, and spasmos, the cramp. 
ANTITHESIS, s. Contrast in words. G. antithesis; 

from anti, against, and theo, to put. 
ANTCECI. s. People who live in opposite latitudes, on 

the same meridian. G. anti, opposite to, and oikeo, to 

dwell. 
ANXIETY, s. Trouble of mind about a future event. 

L. anxietas; from angor, anguish: ango, to strangle. 
APARTMENT, s. A chamber. F. apartement: L. a, of, 

and pars, a part. 
APATHY, s. Want of feeling, or of passion. G. a, with- 
out, and pathos, feeling. 
APEPSIA, or APEPSY. s. Want of natural concoction; 

vulgarly, a heart-burn. G. apepsia; from a, not, and 

epso, to boil. 
APERIENT, adj. A gentle purgative. L. aperiens, 

part, of aperio, to open. 
APERTURE, s. An opening. L. aperturaj from aperio, 

to open. 
APEX. s. The point. L. apex, the top. 
APHELION, s. That part in the orbit of any planet, 

which is the most remote from the sun. G. apo, from, 

and helios, the sun. 
APHCERISIS. s. A figure of speech, by which a letter 
[3*] 



APH— APP 

or syllable is taken from the beginning of a word. G> 
aphairesis; comp. of apo, from, and aireo, to take. 

APHORISM, s. A maxim. G. aphorismos; comp. of 
apo, from, and orizo, to define. 

APIARY, s. A place for bees. L. apis, a bee. 

APOCALYPSE, s. Revelation; the last book of the 
New Testament. G. apokalupto, to uncover. 

APOCRYPHA, s. Of uncertain authority. G. apokrvp- 
ta; from apo, far off, and krupto, to hide. 

APOLOGUE, s. A kind of fable. G. apologos; from 
apo, far off, and logos, a discourse; alluding to the na- 
ture of fable ; which inculcates one thing by the rela- 
tion of another. 

APOLOGY, s. Excuse. G. apologia; from apo, after, 
and logos, a speech; that is, an explanation subse- 
quent to the offence. 

APOPLEXY, s. A general deprivation of animal sensa- 
tion. G. afioplexis; from apo, through, and plesso, to 
strike. 

APOSTATE, s. One who has deserted his former pro- 
fession, either in politics or religion. G. apostates; 
apo, from, and estaotos, part, of istimi, to stand. 

APOSTLE, s. A person deputed. G. apostolos; from 
apo, from, and stello, to send. 

APOSTROPHE', s. A diversion of speech, to another 
person or thing. G. apostrophe: comp. of apo, from, 
and strepho, to turn. 

APOTHECARY, s. A compounder of medicines. L» 
apotheca, a wine-cellar, or store-house. 

APOTHEGM, s. A maxim delivered extempore. G. apo- 
phthegma: apo, without [consideration], and phthen- 
gomai, to speak. 

APOTHEOSIS, s. Heathenish deification. G. apotheo- 
sis: from apo, (a word of multifarious signification,) 
and theos,-& god. 

APPAL, v. To affright. F. appalir; L. ad, at, palleo, 
to look pale. 

APPANAGE, s. An appurtenance of land. F. apanage; 
from appendre, to hang : L. ad, to, and pendo, to hang. 

APPARATUS, s. Utensils. L. apparatus; from ad, 
for, and paro, to prepare. 



APP— APP 

APPAREL, s. Dress. F. afifiareil, furniture ;— See AP- 
PARATUS. 

APPARENT, adj. Easily seen. L. afifiarens, part, of 
afifiareo; from ad, to, and fiareo, to appear. 

APPARITION, s. An ideal spectre. L. a/ifiareo, to 
appear. 

APPEAL, -v. To refer. L. ajifiello, to apply to : ad and 
fiello. 

APPEAR, v. To come in view. L. apjiareo, to appear; 
ad and fiareo. 

APPEASE, ~u. To quiet. F. afifiaiser; a, to, and fiaix, 
peace: L. ad zxidifiax. 

APPELLATE, adj. Appellate jurisdiction is the power 
of hearing appeals. — See APPEAL. 

APPELLATION, s. A name. L. afifiellatio; from ad y 
to, and fiello, to strike or effect: so as to draw atten- 
tion. 

APPEND, v. To hang or attach. L. ahfiendo: ad, to, 
and fiendo, to hang. 

APPENDIX, s. A supplement. L. afifiendix.—See AP- 
PEND. 

APPERTAIN, v. To belong (with to.) F. afifiertenir: 
L. ad, to, and fierteneo, to belong: fierteneo is from 
fier, by, and teneo, to hold. 

APPETITE, s. Desire. L. afifietitio; from ad, for* and 
fieto, to ask. 

APPLAUD, -v. To praise. L. afifilaudo: ad, to, and 
laudo, or filaudo, to give praise. 

APPLICABLE, adj. Suitable; attributable; F. afifilica* 
die.-— See APPLY. 

APPLY, u. To join ; to have recourse (with to.) L. afi- 
filico; from ad, to, and filico, to fold. 

APPOINT, v. To fix, or mark out. F. afifiointer; L. atf, 
to, and /tunc turn, sup. oifiungo, to point. 

APPORTION. x>. To assign in parts. L. ad, to, and por- 
tion. 

APPOSITE, adj. Proper; appropriate. L. afifiositus; 
from ad, to, and fiositus, p. part, of fiono, to place. 

APPOSITION, s. Addition of new matter; agreement 
of nouns. L. afifiositio. — See APPOSITE. 

APPRAISE, -v. To fix a price on. F. afifirecier; L. ad,. 
to, and firetium, a price. 



APP— AQU 

APPRECIATE, v. To be conscious of value. F. afifire- 

C ier.~ See APPRAISE. 
APPREHEND, v. To seize; to understand. L. appre- 

hendo; from ad, to or at, and prehendo, to catch. 
APPRENTICE, s. One who is bound by covenant to 

remain with another for a certain period, in order that 

he may acquire knowledge of an art or trade. F. ap- 

prenti: apprendre, to learn. 
APPRIZE, v. To inform. F. appris, part, of apprendre? 

to inform. 
APPROACH, -v. To come near. F. approcher; from 

a, to, and proche, near. 
APPROBATION. s. Approval. L. approbation from 

approbo, to approve. 
APPROPRIATE, v. To assign to some particular use. 

L. ad } to, and proprius, special or particular. 
APPROVE, v. To like. F. approuver. L. approbo, to 

approve. 
APPROXIMATE, v. To approach. L. ad, to, and proxi- 

mus, next. 
APPURTENANCE, s. A thing appertaining.— See AP- 
PERTAIN. 
APRIL, s. The fourth month. L. Apr ills; from aperio, 

to open; because, in April, the blossoms are unfolding. 
A PRIORI. In the first instance ; a phrase in logic, op- 
posed to a posteriori. L. a. from, priori, abl. of prior, 

the former. 
APROPOS. To the purpose; well-timed. F. a, apro- 
pos, the purpose. 
APT. adj. Fit; inclined; ready. L. aptus, p. part, of 

apto, to fit, or adapt. 
APTOTE. s. An indeclinable noun. G. a, without, and 

ptosis, a case. 
AQUAFORTIS, s. Sulphite of nitre. L. aqua, water, 

and fortis, (gen. oifors) of strength. 
AQUAREGIA. s. Nitro-muriatic acid, aqua, water, 

and regia, (fern, of regius, royal) : this mixture will 

dissolve gold; hence, its princely title. 
AQUARIUS, s. A sign of the zodiac. L. aquarius, a 

water-bearer. 
AQUATIC, adj. Relating to any thing that inhabits 

water. L. aguaticus; from aqua, water* 



AQU— ARC 

AQUAVITJE. s. A strong spirituous liquor. L. aqua, 
water, vita, of life. (It should rather be named aqua 
mortis, the water of death.). 

AQUEDUCT, s. An artificial conveyance for water. 
L. aquxductus; aqua, water, and ductus, (from duco, 
to lead,) a guidance. 

AQUILINE, adj. An aquiline nose resembles an eagle's 
beak. L. aquilinus; from aquila, an eagle. 

ARABLE, adj. Fit for cultivation. L. arabilis; aro, to 
plough. 

ARBITER, s. A judge; one who has the power of 
direction. L. arbiter, an arbitrator, or ruler. 

ARBITRARY, adj. Despotic; independent of rules. L. 
arbitrarius. — See ARBITER. 

ARBITRATOR, s. A judge, chosen by mutual consent. 
arbitror, to award. — See ARBITER. 

ARBORESCENT, adj. Growing in the form of a tree. 
L. arborescens, part, of arboresco: arbor, a tree. 

ARBOUR, s. A bower. L. arbor, a tree. 

ARC. s. Part of a circle. L. arcus, a bow or arch; be- 
cause these describe only part of a circle. 

ARCADE, s. An arched walk. F. arcade; L. arcus. — 
See ARC. 

ARCANUM, s. A secret. L. arcanum; from area, a 
chest, coffin, or tomb : secrets are hidden, as in a chest. 

ARCH. s. Part of a circle. L. arcus. — See ARC. 

ARCHANGEL, s. One of the highest order of angels. 
G. archos, chief, and angel. 

ARCHBISHOP. «. A chief bishop. G. archos, chief, and 
bishop. 

ARCHER, s. One who uses a bow. L. arcus, a bow. 

ARCHETYPE, s. The original. L. archetyfius; G. 
arche, the beginning, and tujihos, form. 

ARCHITECT, si A master-builder. L. architectus; G. 
archos, chief, and tekton, a builder. 

ARCHIVES, s. A place for public records; or the re- 
cords themselves. L. archiva ; from arche, a govern- 
ment. 

ARCTIC, adj. Relating to the arctic circle, or to the 
north. G. arktos, a bear, the name given to the north- 
ern constellation. 



ARD— ARR 

ARDENT, adj. Hot; eager. L. ardensj from ardeo> to 
burn. 

ARDUOUS, adj. Difficult. L. arduus, inaccessible; 
lofty, dangerous. 

AREA. 5. A term in mathematics, and architecture. L. 
area, a vacant place. — See ARENA. 

ARENA, s. That part of a theatre which is left vacant 
for the contests, or sports. L. arena, sand; because 
the space was strewed with sand. Area appears to be 
derived from arena. 

ARGILLACEOUS, adj. Partaking of the nature of 
clay. L. argillaceus: argilla, white clay, such as pot- 
ter's use. 

ARGUE, v. To reason; to dispute. L. arguo, to show 
or prove. 

ARGUMEJYTUM AD HOMINEM. An argument 
which derives its strength from its personal applica- 
tion. L. argumentum, an argument, ad y to, hominem, 
accus. of homo, a man. 

ARID. adj. Dry. L. aridus, dry, parched. 

ARIES, s. A sign of the zodiac. L. aries, a ram. 

ARISTOCRACY, s. A government by nobles. G. aris- 
tos, greatest, and krateo, to govern: meaning, where 
the most powerful men govern. 

ARITHMETIC, s. The science of numbers. L. arith- 
metical G. arithmos, a number, and metreo, to mea- 
sure. 

ARK. s. A large chest; a vessel to swim on the water, 
as the Ark of Noah. L. area, a chest. — The close 
rooms in which meal is kept in some parts of Britain, 
and a species of vessels with which the people of the 
United States descend their rivers, are called arks. 

ARMILLARY. adj. Resembling a bracelet. L. armilla, 
a bracelet. — See Ferguson's description of the globes. 

ARMISTICE, s. A short truce. L. armistitium; from 
arma, arms, and sto, to stand. 

AROMATIC, adj. Fragrant. F. aromatigue: L. aroma, 
spice. 

ARRAIGN, v. To accuse at the bar, preparatory to a 
trial; to charge with fault. F. arranger.—-' See AR- 
RANGE. 



ARR— ASP 

ARRANGE, v. To regulate, F. arranger; from a, -to, 
and rang, a row or rank. 

ARREAR. s. That which is left unpaid, or not done. F, 
arriere, behind. 

ARREST, v. To stop. F. arrester; L. ad, to, and res- 
tito, to draw back : re, back, and sto, to stand. 

ARRIVE, v. To come j to reach. F. arriver; from a, 
to, and rive, a shore. 

ARROGANCE, s. Haughtiness. L. arrogans, part, of 
arrogo.-— See ARROGATE. 

ARROGATE, v. To assume. L. arrogo; comp. of ab, 
from, and ro§*o, to demand. 

ARROW, s. A dart. Derived through the Saxon, from 
L. arundo, a reed ; because, reeds were used for ar- 
rows. 

ARSENAL, s. A military workshop or magazine. F. 
arsenal; L. ars, an art or trade. 

ARSON. The malicious burning of another's property : 
(used by lawyers.) arsum, sup. of ardeo, to burn. 

ARTERY, s. A tube or canal which conveys the blood 
from the heart to all parts of the body. G. arteria; 
from arter, a thing which carries away. 

ARTICLE, s. A part of speech. L. articulus, a joint. 

ARTICULATE, v. To pronounce distinctly. L. arti- 
culo; from articulus, a joint, or point. 

ARTIFICE, s. Trick. F. artifice: L. artificium; from 
arte, (abl. of ars) by art, and facio, to do. 

ARTIFICIAL, adj. Made by art; fictitious.— -See AR- 
TIFICE. 

ARTILLERY, s. Cannon. F. artillerie; from art, art, 
and tirailler, to shoot. 

ASCEND, -v. To go upwards. L. ascendo; from ad, to- 
wards, and scando, to climb. 

ASCERTAIN, v. To know surely. L. ad, to, and cer- 
tain. 

ASCETIC, s. A disagreeable professor of religion. F. 
ascetique; G. asketekos: askeo, to vex. 

ASCRIBE, v. To attribute. L. ascribo; ad, to, and 
scribo, to write, or appoint : meaning, to assign an ef- 
fect to a particular cause. 

ASPECT, s. Appearance; direction towards. L. asfiec- 
tus; from ad, at, and sfxecto, to look. 



ASP— ASS 

ASPERITY, s. Roughness; severity. L. asfieritas; from 
asfier, rough. 

ASPERSE, -v. To calumniate. L. asfiersum, sup. of as- 
fiergo: ad, upon, and sfiargo, to sprinkle. 

ASPIRATE, s. A pronunciation formed by a full breath- 
ing ; as the letter h. L. asfiiratus, part, of asfiiro, to 
breathe, or blow. 

ASPIRE, v. To desire eagerly (with to, or after,). L. 
asfiiro, to breathe or blow. 

ASSAFCETIDA. s. A particular drug. L. assus, un- 
mixed, and fcetidus, bad-smelling matter; that is, en- 
tirely fetid. This word is sometimes improperly spell- 
ed asafcetida. 

ASSAIL, v. To assault. F. assailer; L. assilio: ad, at, 
and salio, to leap. 

ASSAULT, s. Attack; hostile violence. F. assaut, 
(formerly assault:) L. ad, at, and saltus, p. part, of 
salio, to leap. 

ASSAY, s. Examination. F. essayer, to try. 

ASSEMBLY, s. A meeting of people. F. assemble; 
from a, to, and semblable, like; meaning, resembling 
each other, or of equal quality; L. ad, to, and similis, 
like. This word conveys a meaning different from as- 
semblage. 

ASSENT. ~u. To agree. L. assentioj ad, with, and sen- 
tio, to think. 

ASSERT, s. To maintain, or affirm. L. assertum; sup. 
of assero, to assert. 

ASSESS, s. To apportion, or tax. L. assessum, sup. of 
assideo; from ad, concerning, and sedeo, to sit; or ad, 
to, and cessum, sup. of cedo, to yield. 

ASSETS, s. Funds or property sufficient for a demand, 
F. assez, enough. 

ASSEVERATE, -v. To declare earnestly. L. assevero; 
ad, to, and severitas, seriousness. 

ASSIDUOUS, adj. Constant in application. L. assidu- 
us: ad, at, and sedeo, to sit. 

ASSIGN, v. To appoint, or depute. L. assigno; from ad, 
for, and signo, to mark. 

ASSIGNEE, s. One appointed.—- See ASSIGN. 

ASSIMILATE, -v. To cause resemblance. L. assimilo; 
from ad, to, and similis, like. 



ASS— ASY 

ASSIST, v. To help. L. assisto: ad, at, and sisto, to 

continue. 
ASSIZE, s. Regulation: (assizes, meeting of provincial 

law-courts.) F. assis, a sitting; pi. assises. 
ASSOCIATE, v. To unite. L. associo: ad, to, and so- 

cius, a companion. 
ASSORT, v. To place in classes. F. assortir; L. ad, 

to, and sors, a kind. 
ASSUAGE, v. To mitigate; to ease. L. ad, to, and 

suadeo, to persuade, or counsel. 
ASSUASIVE. adj. Softening. L. ad, to, and sausio, a 

counselling.— See ASSUAGE. 
ASSUME. ~v. To take; to usurp. L. assumo; from ad, 

to, and sumo, to take. 
ASSUMPSIT. An action of assumpsit lies against a 

builder, or any other person, who has failed to per- 
form his contract. L. assumpsit, (from ass u?no,) he 

undertook. 
ASSURE, v. To give confidence; to insure. F. assurer? 

L. securus, safe. 
ASTERISK, s. A mark (*) used in printing. G. aster- 

iskos, dim. of aster, a star. 
ASTHMA. 8. A difficult, short respiration. G. asthma, 

a puff. 
ASTONISH, v. To confound ; to amaze. F. etonner, 

(formerly estonner)\ L. ad, at, and tono, to thunder. 
ASTOUND, v. To astonish, (a vulgarism.) F. etonner, 

(formerly estonner.) — See ASTONISH. 
ASTRAL, adj. Relating to the stars. L. astrum, a star. 
ASTRINGENT, adj. Contracting. L. astringens, part. 

of astringo: from ad, to, and stringo, to truss up, or 

bind. 
ASTROLABE, s. An instrument formerly used for as- 
certaining latitudes. G. astron, a star, and lambano, 

to find out. 
ASTROLOGY, s. The pretended science of foretelling 

by the stars. L. astrologia: G. astron, a star, and lo- 
gos, a discourse. 
ASTRONOMY, s. Knowledge of the heavenly bodies. 

G. astronomia; from astron, a star, and nomos, a law 

or rule. 
ASYLUM, s. Place of safety. L. asylum; G. a, without, 
M 



ATH—ATT 

and sulon, part, of sulao, to pillage: meaning, free 

from robbery, or hurt. 
ATHEIST, s. One who denies the existence of God. 

G. a, without, and Theos, God. 
ATHLETIC, adj. Of a strong and vigorous body. L. 

athleticus: G. athletes, a wrestler. 
ATMOSPHERE, s. The air which surrounds the earth. 

G. atmos, vapour, and afihaird, a sphere. 
ATOM. s. A very small particle. G. atomos; from a, 

not, and temno, to cut: meaning, that it cannot be di- 
vided. 
ATROCITY, s. Great wickedness. L. atrocitas; atrox, 

cruel. 
ATROPHY, s. Debility, for want of due nourishment. 

G. atrophia; from a, not, and tre/iho, to nourish. 
ATTACH, v. To join; to arrest. F. attacher; L. ad, at 

. or to, and factum, sup. of tango, to touch. 
ATTAIN, v. To procure; to reach. L. attineo: ad, to, 

and teneo, to hold fast. 
ATTAINDER, s. By attainder, the estate of the con- 
victed person reverts to his superior lord; and his 

blood is, in a legal sense, so corrupted; as to be no 

longer inheritable. F. atteindre, to reach, or touch. 
ATTAINT, v. To disgrace; particularly, by conviction 

of felony or treason.—See ATTAINDER. 
ATTEMPT, v. To endeavour. L. attento; from ad, at, 

and tento, to try. 
ATTEND, v. To give attention, or aid; to be present 

at. L. attendo; from ad, to, and tendo, to stretch out, 
ATTENUATE, v. To make thin, or slender. L. at- 

tenuo; comp. of ad, to, and tenuis, slender. 
ATTEST, v. To give evidence. L. attestor; from ad, 

to, and testis, a witness. 
ATTORNEY, s. One who acts at law for another. F. 

a, for, and tournee, a journey or visit: hence, the F. 

tournelle, a criminal court. 
ATTRACT, v. To draw towards. L. attractum, sup, 

of attraho; from ad, towards, and traho, to draw. 
ATTPvIB'UTE. v. To ascribe. L. attribuo: ad, to, and 

tribuo, to give. 
AT'TRIBUTE. «. The thing attributed, or belonging, 

to another. — See the verb. 



ATT— AUT 

ATTRITION, s. Rubbing. L. attritio: ad, against, and 
tritus, p. part, of tero, to rub. 

AUCTION, s. A mode of sale. L. audio: auctum, sup. 
of augeo, to increase, [from a small, to a greater, 
price.] 

AUDACIOUS, adj. Daring. F. audacieux; L. audacis, 
gen. of audax, bold. 

AUDIBLE, adj. Easily distinguished by the ear. Lv 
audibilis; from audio, to hear. 

AUDIENCE, s. The act of hearing; hearers. F. audi- 
ence; L. audiens, part, of audio, to hear. 

AUDITOR, s. A hearer ; an examiner of public ac- 
counts. L. auditor; from audio, to hear. 

AUGUR, v. To conjecture by signs; to portend. L. au- 
gur, a soothsayer. 

AUGUST', adj. Great; magnificent. L. augustus, vene- 
rable, noble. 

AU'GUST. s. The eighth month. L. Augustus Casar. 
—See AUGUST'. 

AURICULAR, adj. Within the sense or reach of hear- 
ing; secret. L. auricula, the ear. 

AURIST. s. An ear-surgeon. L. auris, an ear. 

AURORA BOREALIS. s. A luminous meteor, pecu- 
liar to the northern latitudes. L. aurora, the morning, 
(meaning, light,) and borealis, belonging to the north. 

AUSPICES, s. Omens. L. ausfiicium, a sign: sfiecio, to 
look. 

AUSTERE, adj. Harsh; of a distant manner. L. aus- 
terus; G. austeros, harsh. 

AUSTRAL, adj. Southern. L. australis; from auster, 
the south. 

AUTHENTIC, adj. Proceeding from sufficient autho- 
rity. L. authenticus; G. authentes, an author. 

AUTHOR, s. One who effects, or produces any thing. 
L. auctor; from auctus, p. part, of augeo, to increase, 
or create. 

AUTHORITY, s. Testimony; influence; power. From 
author: because, authority, in its various significations, 
must proceed from its proper source, — -the author. 

AUTOCRAT, s. An absolute prince. G. autos, one's- 
self, and kratos, power. 



AUT— AVO 

AUTOGRAPHY. *. A particular person's own hand- 
writing; or the original manuscript, in opposition to a 
copy. G. autografihon; from autos, one's-self, and 
grafiho, to write. 

AUTOMATON, s. A machine, which has a power of 
motion within itself. G. automaton; autos, itself, and 
maomai, to be moved. 

AUXILIARY, s. An assistant. L. auxiliarius; G. auxo, 
to increase. 

AVAIL, v. To aid in promoting. L. valeo, to be strong, 
or to serve. 

AVALANCHES, s. Prodigious snow-balls, that fre- 
quently roll down the mountains in Savoy. F. avalan- 
ches: avaler, to fall down. 

AVANT-CQVRIER. s. A messenger, sent forward to 
announce the approach of some great personage. F. 
drvant, before, and courier. 

AVARICE, a. Insatiable desire of wealth. L. avaritia; 
from aveo, to covet. 

AVENGE, v. To revenge; to punish. F. venger, to re- 
venge. 

AVENUE, s. A way of approach. F* avenue; L. ad t 
to, and venio, to come. 

AVER. v. To declare solemnly. F. averer; L. ad, to, 
and verum, the truth. 

AVERAGE, v. To fix one degree of value on things 
of various qualities. L. averagium: ad, to, verum, 
truth, and ago, to bring. 

AVERSE, adj. Unfavourable; opposed. L. aversus.-—^ 
See AVERT, 

AVERT, v. To turn from; to turn aside. L. averto; 
comp. of a, from, and verto, to turn. 

AVIARY, s. A place inclosed for birds. L. avis, a 
bird. 

AVIDITY. «, Eagerness. L. aviditas: aveo, to desire. 

AVOCATION, s. Business which calls a person away 
from his usual employment. L. avoeatio; a, from, and 
voco, to call. 

AVOIRDUPOIS, adj. A kind of weight, having 16 
ounces in a pound, F. avoir du fioids, to have just 
weight: probably, the statute, mercantile weight, in- 
troduced into England by the Normans. 



AXI— BAP 

AXIOM, s. A proposition evident at the first view, and 
which cannot be made plainer by demonstration. G. 
axioma; from axio-o, to be thought worthy [of be- 
lief.] 

AXIS. «. The line, real or imaginary, that passes through 
any thing, and on which it may revolve. L. axis: G. 
axon; ago, to conduct. 

AZOTE. s. Nitrogen; that part of the atmospheric air 
which will not support life. F. azote; G. a, not, and 
zao, to live. 

AZURE, adj. Light blue. F. azur, a sky-coloured mi- 
neral. 



B. 

BACCHANALIAN, -s. A riotous, drunken person. L. 
bacchanalia, the feast of Bacchus, the god of wine. 

BADINAGE. s. Playful conversation. F. badinage; from 
badin, waggish, merry. 

BAGATELLE, s. A trifle. F. bagatelle, dim. of bagage, 
goods of any kind. 

BALANCE, s. An instrument for weighing; difference 
of weight or amount. F. balance; L. bilanx: bis, dou- 
ble, and lanx, a broad plate, or dish. 

BALE. s. A large bundle. F. bale, a ball. 

BALL. s. An entertainment of dancing. F. bal ; G. bal- 
lizo, to dance; from ballo, to throw, (meaning the 
legs.) 

BALLOON, s. A spheroid, formed of silk ; which, when 
inflated by hydrogen gas, or rarefied air, ascends. F. 
balloon; from bale, a ball. 

BALLOT, s. A mode of giving votes. F. balote, a lit- 
tle ball used at elections. The balloting balls were of 
different colours; a white ball denoted approbation, 
and a black one, dislike. In the United States, small 
tickets are used. 

BANKRUPT, s. One who cannot pay his debts. Saxon, 
banc, a heap, (alluding to the money accumulated in 
banks,) and rufitus, p. part, of rumfio, to break. 

BAPTIZE, -v. To administer baptism j to christen. G 
bafitizo, to wash, dip, or besprinkle, 
[, 4 ] 



BAR— BEL 

BARBAROUS, adj. Uncivilized; crueL L. bardarus-; 
G. barbaros, foreign. The Greeks and Romans ap- 
plied this term, ultimately, to denote want of civiliza- 
tion, as we do at the present time. 

BARBED, adj. Pointed as an arrow, or a fishing-hook, 
L. barba, a beard. 

BARBER, s. A man who shaves beards for hire. F. 
barbier: L. barba, a beard. 

BARK. s. A small ship. F. barque; Low L, barca, a 
large boat. 

BAROMETER. s. An instrument for ascertaining the 
pressure of the atmosphere. G. baros, weight, and 
metreo, to measure. 

BASE. s. The lower part, as of a column. — See BASIS, 

BASE. adj. Mean, dishonest.— See ABASE. 

BASILISK, s. A kind of serpent, which is said to af- 
fright away by hissing, and to kill by looking. G. ba- 
siliskos; basileus, a king. 

BASIS, s. The foundation; first principle. G. and L. 
basis, the foot of a pillar. 

BASTION, s. A huge bulwark used in fortification. F. 
bastion; from baster, to be sufficient, — alluding to its 
strength. 

BATON. 5. A marshal's staff. F. baton, a staff or cudgel; 
L. batuo, to beat. 

BATTERY, s. An assemblage of cannon, for destroy- 
ing. F. batterie; L~ batuo, to strike. 

BAWL. v. To cry aloud. L. balo, to bleat as a sheep. 

BEAT. v. To strike, or conquer. L. batuo, to strike. 

BEATIFY, v. To bless. L. beatifico; from Meatus, hap- 
py, and facio, to make. 

BEATITUDE, s, Happiness, beatitudo; from beatua r 

happy. 

BEAU MOJVDE. The gay or fashionable world. F. beau,, 
fine, and monde, the world. 

BEAUX E SPRITS. Gay fellows ; men of wit. F. beaux y 
pi. of beau, pleasant, and esfirits, pi. of esprit, a spirit. 

BELLES LETTRES. s. Polite Literature, (with the.) 
pronounced bel-letter. F. lea belles lettres, polite learn- 
ing. 

BELLIGERENT, a. A party in a war. L. belligeransy 
part, of belligero: bellum, war, and gero, to carry on. 



BEN— BIS 

BENEDICTION, s. A blessing. L. benedictio: bene, 

4 well, and dictio, an expression : dico, to say. 

BENEFACTOR, s. One who confers a benefit. L. bene, 
well, andfacio, to do. 

BENEFICE, s. An ecclesiastical living. L. beneficium, 
an obligation.— See BENEFACTOR. 

BENEFICENT, adj. Kind; doing good. L. benefaciens: 
part, of benefacio.— See BENEFACTOR. 

BENEVOLENT, adj. Well-inclined; charitable. L. be- 
nevolens; bene, well, and volo, to wish. 

BENIGNITY, s. Graciousness; goodness. L. benigni- 
tas; from bene, well, happily. 

BIAS. s. Inclination, either of matter or mind. F. biais y 
an oblique line. 

BIBBER, s. A tippler. L. bibo, to drink. 

BIBLE, s. The sacred volume. G. biblion, a book : mean- 
ing, by way of eminence, The Book. 

BIBULOUS, adj. Absorbing moisture. L. bibulus; from 
bibo, to drink. 

BIENNIAL, adj. Continuing two years ; occurring every 
two years. L. biennis: from bis, double, and annus, a 
year. 

BIFEROUS. adj. Bearing twice a year. L. biferus; bis, 
twice, and fero, to bear. 

BIGAMY, s. The crime of having two wives, or of 
having two husbands. G. bis, double, and gameo, to 
marry. 

BILE. s. An inflammatory swelling; (sometimes pro- 
nounced, though vulgarly, boil;) also, a thick, yellow 
matter, formed internally. L. bills, choler. 

BINARY, adj. By couples. L. binus; from bis,, double 

BIOGRAPHY, s. Personal history. G. bios, life, and 
grafiho, to write. 

BIPAROUS. adj. Having two at a birth. L. bis, double, 
and fiario, to bring forth. 

BIPED, s. An animal having two feet. L. bifiedis, gen. 
of biftesi bis, double, and pes, a foot. 

BISCUIT, s. Hard bread. F. biscuit^ L» bis, twice, and 
F. cuit, part, of cuire, to bake. 

BISECT, v. To divide into two parts. L. binus, by cou- 
ples, and seco, to cut. 

BISHOP. One who is placed over several churches. 



BIT— BRE 

Derived, through the Saxon f from L. efiiscofiusj G. 

efii, over, and skofieo, to look, 
BITUMINOUS, adj. Having the qualities of bitumen; 

pitchy. L. bitumen, a kind of fat clay or slime, like 

pitch. 
BLANCH, -v. To whiten. F. blanchir; from blanc, 

white, 
BLAND, adj. Mild; gentle. L. blandus, kind. 
BLANDISHMENT, s. Act of fondness; caresses. L, 

blanditia. — See BLAND. 
BLANK, s. A space not written on; unproductive re- 
sult of lottery chance. F. blanc, white: that is, having 

the white paper visible. 
BLASPHEME, -v. To speak irreverently of God. G. 

blasphemeo; blax, impious, and fihemi, to say. 
-BOIL. v. To be agitated by heat. F. bouillir; L. bullio; 

from bulla, a bubble. 
BOIL. 5. A vulgar term for a bile. From the verb, to 

boil; alluding to the form of a bile, — that of a bubble. 
BOLUS, s. A large pill. L. bolus, a lump. 
BOMB. s. A hollow ball, filled with gunpowder. F. 

bombe: L. bombus, a buzzing noise. 
BOMBAST, s. Inflated language. L. bombus, a buzzing 

noise. 
BONA FIDE. Actually; really. The phrase is also 

used adjectively, for actual, real. L. bona, (from bonus,) 

in good, VLXi&Jide, (from fides,) faith. 
BON MOT. A witty expression. F. bon, good, and mot, 

a word, or saying. 
BONNE BOUCHE. A nice or sweet morsel. F. bonne, 

fern, of bon, good, and bouche, the mouth. 
BON VI V ANT. A luxurious person. F. bon, well, and 

vivant, part, of vivre, to live. 
BOTANY. *. The science of plants. G. botane, an herb. 
BOUNTY, s. Generosity; pecuniary encouragement. 

F. bonte, indulgence; from bon, good: L. bonus, good. 
BRACE, v. To make firm. F. embrasser, to embrace: 

en, in, and bras, an arm. L. in, and brachium. 
BRACELET, s. An ornament for the arm. F. bracelet; 

from bras, an arm. 
BREVIARY. *. An abridgment; a book containing 



BRE— BUT 

the daily service of the Roman church. F. breviare; 
L. breviarium: brevis, short. 

BREVITY, s. Conciseness. L. brevitas; brevis, short. 

BRIDE, s. A woman recently married. F. bride, part, 
of b rider , to restrain. 

BRIDLE. s. The reins, Sec. used for governing a horse. 
F. bride; from brider, to restrain. 

BRIEF, s. An abridged writing; a lawyer's instructions. 
F. brief. — See the adjective. 

BRIEF, adj. Concise. F. brief: L. brevis, short. 

BRUMAL, adj. Belonging to winter. L. brumalis; G. 
brugmos, a roaring noise. 

BRUNETT. s. A woman with a brown complexion. F. 
brunette, (dim^ of bruit, brown,) a little girl who is 
brown. 

BRUTE, s. An animal without reason, brutus, insensi- 
ble, irrational. 

BUCOLIC, adj. Pastoral. G. boukolika; from boukolos, 
a cowherd. 

BUFFET. *. A cup-board; a place at a public enter- 
tainment, where refreshments are kept. F. buffet, a 
cup -board. 

BULBOUS, adj. Of a round shape, as the root of a tu- 
lip. L. bulbus, an onion, or any round, laminated root. 

BULL. s. A papal mandate. F. bulle; from the L. bul-. 
Ice, ornaments, of the figure of a heart, formerly worn 
by the nobility of the western empire, and afterwards 
attached to the decrees of the popes. 

BULLETIN, s. A military, or other public document. 
F. bulletin; bulle, authentic. — See BULL. 

BUOY. s. A piece of floating wood or cork, used by 
mariners and fishermen. F. bouee: bois, wood. 

BUOYANT, adj. Floating; light.-— See BUOY. 

BURSAR, s. The treasurer of a college. L. bursarius; 
from bursa, a purse. 

BUTLER, s. A servant who takes care of the wines, and 
superintends the table. F, bouteillier; from bouteille, 
a bottle. 



CAC— CAL 



C. 



CACOCHYMY. s. An unhealthy state of the animal 
juices. G. kakochumia; from kakos, bad, and chumos, 
juice. 

CACOETHES SCRIBEJYDI. A too great fondness of 
writing for the public eye. L. cacoethes, an evil habit, 
scribendi, of writing: cacoethes is from G. kakos, bad, 
and ethos, a habit. 

CACOPHONY. *. A harsh sound of words. G. kako- 
fihonia; kakos, bad, and fihonia, a sound. 

CADAVEROUS, adj. Looking like a corpse. L. cada- 
ver, a dead body. 

CADENCE, s. Fall of the voice, &c. F. cadence: L. ca- 
dens, part, of cado, to fall. 

CADET, s. A person serving in expectation of an of- 
fice. F. cadet: L. cado, to be attached to. 

CiESURA. s. A term in prosody, referring to a pause. 
L. c<zsura; from ex do, to cut. 

C2ETERA DESUJYT. The remainder is wanting. L. 
ccetera, pi. of cater, the rest, desunt, (from desum^) are 
wanting. 

CALAMITY, s. Sudden misfortune. L. cclamitas; from 
calamus, an arrow: because, a calamitous misfortune 
comes with the swiftness of an arrow. 

CALCAREOUS, adj. Of the nature of lime.— See 
CALX, 

CALCINE, -v. To decompose by burning. F. calciner. 
—See CALX. 

CALCULATE, -v. To numerate; to conjecture. L. cal- 
culus, a pebble; by which, numbers were reckoned, by 
persons ignorant of arithmetic. 

CALENTURE. 5. A distemper peculiar to sailors in 
hot climates. L. caleo, to be hot. 

CALIBER, s. The diameter of a gun's bore. F. caliber, 
rate or size. 

CALIDITY. s. Heat. L. caliditas: calidus, hot. 

CALLOUS, adj. Insensible. L. callus, hardness, or hard 
flesh. 

CALLOW, adj. Without feathers. L. callus, rough- 



CAL— CAN 

ness : very young birds are unpleasingly rough, by- 
reason of their projecting quills. 

CALORIC, s. The modern chemical name of heat. F. 
calorique: L. calor, heat. 

CALORIFIC, adj. Producing heat. L. calorificus; calor, 
heat, and facio, to make. - 

CALORIMETER, s. An instrument for ascertaining, 
the quantity of heat disengaged from any substance 
that may be an object of experiment. L. calor, heat, 
and G. metreo, to measure. 

CALUMNIATE, v. To slander. L. calumnior; from 
calumnia, a false accusation. 

CALX. s. A burned substance. L. calx, burned lime. 

CALYX, s. The cup of a plant; that part which sur- 
rounds and supports the petals. L. calyx; G. kalux, 
that in which any thing is enclosed. 

CAMERA-OBSCURA. s. An optical machine. L. ca- 
mera, a chamber, and ohscura, dark. 

CAMP. A number of military tents. F. camfi; L. cam- 
pus, a field. 

CAMPAIGN, s. The period of an army's operations 
in the field, during one season. F. campagne: L. cam- 
pus, a field. 

CAMPESTRAL, adj. Growing infields. L. camfieslris; 
campus, field. 

CANAILLE, s. The very lowest of the people; the 
rabble. F. canaille; from canal, the kennel of a street : 
alluding to their filth. 

CANCEL, v. To obliterate. F. canceller: L. cancelli, 
windows: the marks in cancelled writings are often 
crossed in the form of a window-frame. 

CANCER. s. A corroding, incurable sore; (also, a sign 
of the zodiac ;) cancer, a crab : thus, comparing the 
gradual decay of the flesh, to the slow motion of a 
crab. 

CANDID, adj. Sincere. L. candidus, bright, friendly. 

CANDIDATE, s. A suitor for any place of honour or 
profit. L. candidatus; from candidus, white: alluding 
to the custom, amongst the Romans, of his wearing a 
white garment. 

CANINE, adj. Relating to a dog. L. caninus; canis, a 
dog. 



CAN— CAP 

C ANISTER. s. A case, now made generally of tin ; but 
formerly of canes. L. canistrum; canna, a cane. 

CANKER, s. A cancerous sore. L. cancer, a crab.«— 
See CANCER. 

CANNIBAL. 5. A person who eats human flesh. L. ca- 
ms, a dog. 

CANNON, s. A great-gun. F. canon, formerly cannon; 
L. canna, a large tube. 

CANON', s. A church law. G. kanon, a rule. 

CANONIZE, -v. To declare any person a saint. From 
canon; because his name is placed in the canon for 
observing festivals. 

CANT. v. To preach or talk as a hypocrite. L. canto, 
to repeat the same thing often: cano, to sing. 

CANTO, s. Part of a poem. This word is derived, 
through the Italian, from the L. cantus, a song : mean- 
ing, as much as would be sufficient for a song, or for 
recital in one act. 

CANTON, -v. To distribute an army over a district. F. 
canton, a province. 

CANVASS, or CANVAS, s. A kind of cloth. F. can- 
evas: L. cannabis, hemp. 

CANVASS, -v. To solicit; to examine. Etymology un- 
known: no rational affinity appears with canvass, 
cloth. 

CAPABLE, adj. Having a capacity for any particular 
object. F. capable: L. cafiio, to contain. 

CAPACIOUS, adj. Large. L. capax; from capio. — 
See CAPABLE. 

CAPER, v. To skip from place to place. L. caper, a 
male-goat. 

CAPIAS AD RESPONDENDUM. A writ issued to 
take the defendant, that he may be answerable to the 
plaintiff. L. capias, (from capio) you may take, ad, 
for the purpose of, respondendum, (from respondeo,') 
answering. 

CAPIAS AD SATISFACIENDUM. A writ issued, af- 
ter judgment, to arrest the defendant, until he shall 
satisfy the plaintiff. L. capias, you may take, ad, for 
the purpose of, satisfaciendum, (from satisfacio) satis- 
fying. 



CAP— CAR 

CAPILLARY, adj. Resembling hairs; relating to very 
small tubes. L. capillaris; capillus, a hair. 

CAPITAL, adj. Affecting the head, or life; chief. F. 
capital; L. cafiitalis: caput, the head. 

CAPITAL, s. Head of a pillar; chief town; stock of a 
trader or company. — See the adjective. 

CAPITATION, s. A capitation-tax is laid on the per- 
son. L. caput, the head. 

CAPITULATE, v. To surrender by agreement. L. ca- 
pitulatim, by heads, or chapters; caput) the head: the 
terms of surrender being written in the form of dis- 
tinct heads or articles. 

CAPRICE, s. Freak; sudden change of humour. F. ca- 
price.— See CAPER. 

CAPRICIOUS, adj. Whimsical; changeable. F. caprU 
cieux.See CAPRICE. 

CAPRICORN, s. A sign of the zodiac. L. capricornus: 
caper, a goat, and cornu, a horn. 

CAPTAIN, s. A commander; a term generally restrict- 
ed to an officer who commands a single company of 
soldiers, or a single ship. F. capitaine; L. caput, the 
head. 

CAPTION, s. An arrest. L. captio — See CAPTIVE. 

CAPTIOUS, adj. Cavilling; L. captiosus: capto, to 
surprise, or catch ; capio, to take. 

CAPTIVATE, v. To delight highly; figuratively, to 
enslave. L. captivv. — See CAPTIVE. 

CAPTIVE. One taken in war; a prisoner. L. captivus: 
cafitus (p. part, of capio) taken. 

CAPTOR, s. He that takes a prisoner, or prize. L. ca- 
pio, to take.— See CAPTIVE. 

CAPUCHIN, s. A monk of the reformed order of Fran- 
ciscans. F. capucin: from capuce, or capuchon, a cowl, 
or large hood; by which, that order are particularly 
distinguished. 

CARBON, s. The basis of charcoal. F. charbon; L. 
carbo, a coal. 

CARBUNCLE, s. A jewel which shines in the dark; 
a red spot, or pimple on the body. L. carbunculus, 
dim. of carbo, a coal. 

CARDINAL, adj. Principal. L. cardinalis, belonging 
to a hinge; cardo, a hinge; because, inferior things 

M 



CAR— CAR 

•are imagined to depend or turn on the cardinal, as a 
door upon its hinge. 

CARDINAL, s. One of the chief governors of the Ro- 
man church. — See the adjective. 

CAREER, s. Course of rapid action. F. carrier e: L. 
carries, a car. 

CARESS, v. To treat in a kind, or loving manner. F. 
caresser: L. cams, dear. 

CARET, s. A grammatical point (a.) L. caret, there 
• is [something] wanting. 

CARMINATIVE, s. A medicine for expelling wind. 
L. cardiacus, griped, and minuo, to lessen. 

CARNAGE, s. Slaughter. F. carnage: L. carnis, gen. 
of caro, flesh. 

CARNAL, adj. Fleshly; not spiritual; lustful. F. car- 
nal: L. carnis, gen. of caro, flesh. 

CARNATION, s. The name of a pink flower. F. car- 
nation:. L. carnis, gen. of caro, flesh; because, that 
species is flesh-coloured. 

CARNIVAL, s. A feast before Lent. F. carnaval: L. 
caro, flesh ; because, it is supposed that unusual quan- 
tities of flesh-meat, are then eaten. 

CARNIVOROUS, adj. Having a natural inclination to 
eat flesh. L. carnivorus: carnis, gen. of caro, flesh, 
and voro, to devour. 

CARP. v. To cavil. L. carfio, to pluck, or find fault. 

CARRION, s. Flesh unfit for the food of man. F. cha- 
rogne; from carier, to rot. 

CAR TE-BLAjYCHE. s. An unlimited commission. F. 
carte, a card, and blanche, white, or unwritten. 

CARTEL, s. A writing containing stipulations between 
enemies, generally relating to an exchange of prison- 
ers; a vessel sailing under those stipulations. F. car- 
tel.— See CHARTER. 

CARTILAGE. *. A smooth, and solid body, softer than 
a bone, but harder than a ligament. L. cartilago, a 
cartilage, or gristle. 

CARTRIDGE, s. A gun-charge, generally in paper. 
F. carte, strong paper, and ric, exactly, because, 
cartridges are made the exact size of the gun's cali- 
ber. 



CAS— CAT 

CASCADE. 5. A waterfall. F. cascade: L. casus, chance, 

and cado, to fall. 
CASE. s. State of any thing; event; variation of a noun. 

L. casus; from cado, to fall, or happen. 
CASTIGATE, v. To punish. L. castigo; from castas, 

pure, and ago, to make. 
CASUAL, adj. Accidental. F. casuel: L. casus, a 

chance; cado, to fall. 
CASUIST, s. One who justifies evil actions by argu- 
ment. F. casuiste: L. casus, an event, occasion, or 

emergency. 
CATACHRESIS. s. Abuse of words! G. katachresis: 

from kata, against, and chresis, use. 
CATACOMBS, s. Places for the dead. G. kata, against, 

and kombos, a hollow place : alluding to the body being 

placed perpendicularly in a niche. 
CATALOGUE, s. A list. L. catalogus: G. katalogos; 

kata, according to, and logos, a description. 
CATAPLASM, s. A poultice. G. katajilasma: kata, 

over, and filasso, to spread. 
CATARACT, s. A waterfall. L. cataracta: G. kata- 

rakte: kata, against, and rasso, to dash. 
CATARRH, s. An issue of humour from the glands, 

about the head and throat. G. katarrheo, to flow from. 
CATASTROPHE', s. Terminating event ; unhappy 

conclusion. G. katastrophe: kata, against, and stre- 

fifio, to turn. 
CATECHISE, v. To question minutely. G. katecheo: 

kata, into, and echeo, to sound. 
CATEGORICAL, adj. Absolute; direct. G. kata, ac- 
cording to, and agoreo, to speak. 
CATENARIAN, adj. Resembling a chain. L. catena., 

a chain. 
CATHARTIC, adj. Purgative. G. kathartikos: kathaU 

ro, to purge. 
CATHEDRAL, s. The head church of a diocese. L, 

cathedra, G. kathedra, a chair in which declamations 

are made, or lectures read. 
CATHOLIC, adj. Universal, or general. F. catholique: 

G. kataolikos, general. 
CATOPTRICS, s. That part of optics which relates 



CAU— CEN 

to vision by reflection. G. katofitron, a looking-glass; 

kata, against, and ofitomai, to see. 
CAUSE, s. That which effects; subject of litigation ; 

party. L. causa, a cause. 
CAUSTIC, adj. Destroying the texture of any thing 

by its hot, corrosive nature* G. kaustikos: kaio, to 

burn. 
CAUTERY, s. An iron used by surgeons for burning 

the flesh ; a caustic substance. F. cautere: G. kaio, to 

burn. 
CAUTION. 5. Regard to, or notice of, danger. F. cau- 
tion: L. cautus, p. part, of caveo, to beware. 
CAVALIER, s. A horseman, or knight. F. cavalier: 

from cheval, a horse. 
CAVALRY, s. Men mounted on horses, and armed for 

war. F. cavalerie; from cheval, a horse. 
CAVE. s. A large hole under ground. L. cavu??i: cavo, 

to make hollow. 
CAVEAT. 5. The name of a legal process, denoting a 

caution, or injunction. L. caveat, let him beware : from 

caveo. 
CAVIL, v. To object without sufficient cause. L. cavil- 

lor: caveo, to prevent. 
CAVITY, s. A hollow place. L. cavitas.-— See CAVE. 
CEASE, v. To stop. L. cesso: from cedo, to retreat. 
CEDE. v. To yield, or assign. L. cedo, to yield. 
CELEBRATE, v. To solemnize; to make famous. L. 

celebro: G. keleba, a banquet. 
CELERITY, s. Swiftness; despatch. L. celeritas: celer, 

swift. 
CELESTIAL, adj. Heavenly. L. celestis: cesium, hea- 
ven. 
CELIBACY, s. Unmarried state. L. calebs, or ccelebs, 

unmarried. 
CELLAR, s. A subterranean apartment. L. cella; (an- 
ciently celai) from celo, to hide. 
CELLULAR, adj. Having small cavities. L. cellula, a 

little cellar.-— See CELLAR. 
CEMETERY, s. A place for the dead. L. ccemeterium: 

G. koimeterion, a place to sleep in. 
CENOTAPH, s, A monument for a person buried at 



CEN—CES 

another place. G. kenos, empty, and tafihos, a sepul- 
chre. 

CENSER, s. A vessel in which incense is burned. F. 
encensoir: L. incensum, sup. of incendo, to burn. 

CENSOR, s. A corrector; an examiner. L. censor: 
censeo, to judge. 

CENSORIOUS, adj. Addicted to censuring with seve- 
rity.— See CENSOR. 

CENSURE, s. Blame. L. censura.— -See CENSOR. 

CENSUS, s. An account of the inhabitants, &x. made 
by public authority. L. census.-—- See CENSOR. 

CENT. s. A hundred; a coin, equal to the hundredth 
part of a dollar. F. cent; L. centum, a hundred. 

CENTENNARY. adj. Relating to a hundred. L. cen- 
' tennarius: centum, a hundred. 

CENTIPEDE, s. An insect with many feet. L. centum^ 
a hundred, and fiedes, (pi. of/zes,) feet. 

CENTRIFUGAL, adj. Receding from the centre. L. 
centrum, the centre, andfugio, to run away. 

CENTRIPETAL, adj. Approaching the centre. L. 
centrum, the centre, and fieto, to seek. 

CENTURION, s. A Roman commander of a hundred 
men. L. centurio: from centum, a hundred. 

CENTURY, s. A hundred years. L. centuria: centtim, 
a hundred. 

CEPHALIC, adj. Medicinal to the head. F. cefihalique: 
G. kephale, the head. 

CERATE, s. An ointment composed chiefly of wax. 
L ceratum: cera, wax. 

CERECLOTH, s. Cloth dipped in wax or gum. L. ce- 
ra, wax, and cloth. 

CERTIFY, v. To make a formal attestation. F. certifier; 
L. certus, sure, and facio, to make. 

CERTIORARI, s. A writ to order the record of a 
cause to be brought before a superior court. L. certi- 
orari, to be made more certain. 

CERULEAN, adj. Light blue. L. coeruleus: cxlum, 
the sky. 

CERUMEN, s. The wax formed in the ear. L. ceru- 
men: cera, wax. 

CESS. s. A tax levied, by its own officers, on a county 
or a parish. L. cessum^ sup, of cedo, to yield. 
[5*] 



CES--CHA 

CESSATION, s. A stop; suspension of action, L. ccs- 

satio. — See CEASE. 
CESSION, s. Assignment. L. cessio: from cessum, sup. 

of cedo, to yield. 
CETACEOUS, adj. Of the whale kind. L. cetus, a 

whale. 
CHALICE, s. A sacramental cup. F. calice: L. calix, 

a cup. 
CHALYBEATE, adj. Impregnated with iron or steeL 

L. chalybs; G. chaluph, steel. 
CHAMADE. s. The beat of a drum indicating a desire 

for a parley. F. 
CHAMOIS, s. A kind of soft leather. F. chamois, a 

wild goat, 
CHAMPAIGN, adj. Relating to a flat, open country. 

F. campagne; from champ; L. campus, a field. 
CHAMPION, s. A warrior; one who engages in sin- 
gle combat. F. champion: champ; L. campus, a field* 
CHANCEL, s. The place in a church where the altar 

stands. F. chancel: L. cancelli, lattices; referring to 

the enclosure. 
CHANDELIER, s. A branch for candles. F. chande- 
lier: from chandelle, a candle. 
CHANDLER. «. A maker of candles. F. chandelier: 

chandelle, a candle. 
CHANTICLEER, s. A name given to the house-cock* 

F. chanter, to sing, and clair, clear: L. canto, and 

clarus. 
CHAOS, s. A confused mass or mixture. G. chaos, 

signifying, properly, a vast chasm : from chao, to 

gape. 
CHAOTIC, adj. Confused. -—See CHAOS. 
CHAPLET. s. A garland or wreath for the head, F. 

chapelet: L. caput, the head. 
CHAPTER. s. A division of a book; (an assembly of 

the clergy of a cathedral or collegiate church.) F. 

chapitre: L. capitulum, dim. of caput, a head: hence, 

we say, " the heads of a discourse;'' meaning the titles. 

of each chapter. 
CHARITABLE, adj. Kind; liberal. F. charitable: L 

charitasy charity; G. charisy^ gift, grace, affection. 



CHA—CHO 

CHARLATAN, s. A quack, or mountebank. F. char- 
latan; from an Italian word, signifying to chatter 

CHARM, s. Words, or characters, imagined to have 
some secret power; something which will please, irre- 
sistibly. F. charme; L. carmen, a verse. 

CHARM, v. To delight highly.— See the noun. 

CHARNELHOUSE. s. A depository of human bones. 
F. charnel, relating to flesh, and house. 

CHART, s. A map for seamen. L. charta, paper, or a 
card. Sea-charts were formerly, in England, called 
se&-cards. 

CHARTER, s. Written privilege. L. charta, paper. 

CHASM, s. A cleft; a place unfilled. G. chasma: chainG? 
to gape widely. 

CHASTE, adj. Pure; undefiled. F. chaste ; L. castus, 
pure. 

CHASTISE. ~u. To punish with a design of amending. 
—See CHASTE. 

CHATEAU, s. A stately mansion. F. chateau, a castle. 

CHEMIST, or CHYMIST. s. A separater and exam- 
iner of matter; and preparer of various compounds, 
F. chymiste: G. chumizo, to boil, or heat in the fire. 

CHEVALIER, s. A knight. F. chevalier: from cheval, 
a horse; because the knights were formerly distin- 
guished, in battle, by being mounted. 

CHEVAUX-DE-FRISE. s. A defensive instrument of 
war, made of timber and iron spikes. F. This term de- 
notes, in English, horses of Friesland: the contrivance 
having been first used in the latter country, as a sub- 
stitute for cavalry. 

CHICANE, s. Artifice. F. chicane, a quirk. 

CHIMERICAL, adj. Imaginary; of extravagant concep- 
tion. L. chimera, one of the poetical monsters. 

CHIROMANCY, s. The pretended art of palmistry, 
or foretelling the events of life by the lines of the 
hand. F. chiromance: G. cheir, a hand, and mantis y a 
prophet. 

CHIRURGERY.— See SURGERY. 

CHIVALRY, s. Knighthood; the qualifications or ac- 
tions of a knight. F. chevalerie. — See CHEVALIER. 

CHOIR, s. A band of singers in a church; the place 



CHO—CIN 

where they sing in church. F. chceur.~~ See CHO- 
RUS. 

CHOLERA MORBUS, s. A sudden effusion of the bile 
on the intestines, so as to operate violently, both up- 
wards and downwards. L. cholera, the cholic, and 
morbus, a disease. 

CHOLERIC, adj. Irascible. L. cholericus; G. chole, 
bile. 

CHOLIC. s. A painful disorder of the stomach or bow- 
els. G. chole, bile. 

CHORAL, adj. Belonging to a choir.— See CHOIR. 

CHORUS, s. A band of singers; part of a song in which 
the whole company join. L. chorus, G. choros, a com- 
pany of dancers and singers: from choreuo, to dance. 

CHRISM, s. Holy ointment. G. chrizma, an ointment. 

CHROMATIC, adj. Relating to the colour of light, and 
of natural bodies, and to a species of ancient music 
now unknown. G. chroma, colour. 

CHRONIC, or CHRONICAL, adj. Relating to dis- 
tempers of some continuance. F. chronique: G. chro- 
nos, time. 

CHRONICLE, s. A brief history, with dates. G. chro- 
nos, time. 

CHRONOLOGY, s. The science of computing rela- 
tive time. F. chronologic G. chronos, time, and logos, 
a doctrine. 

CHRONOMETER, s. An instrument for measuring 
time. G. chronos, time, and metreo, to measure. 

CHRYSALIS, s. An insect, such "as a butterfly, when 
changing from its torpid state. L. chrysalis: G. chru- 
sos, gold; referring to its yellow hue. 

CHRYSOLITE, s. A precious stone, of a dusky green, 
with a shade of yellow. F. chrysolite: G. chrusos, 
gold; and lithos, a stone. 

CHYLE, s. A white juice, formed in the intestines, and 
afterwards converted into blood. G. chulos, juice. 

CHYMIST. s. A professor of chemistry.— See CHE- 
MIST. 

CI DEVANT. Formerly. F. 

CINCTURE, s. A bandage. L. cinctura: from cinctus 7 
p. part, of cingo, to gird. 



CIN— CIR 

CINERATION. s. The act of reducing to ashes. L. 
cineres, ashes. 

CINQUE-PORTS, s. The cinque-ports, or Jive ports, 
as the F. numeral cinque, denotes, were those in Eng- 
land, which, lying the nearest to France, were the 
more vigilantly guarded against invasion; and were 
placed under the superintendence of a special gover- 
nor. 

CIPHER, s. Any arithmetical figure; but, in general, 
denoting : hence, the appellation to a person of no 
efficiency, "a mere cipher:" it also means a secret 
mode of corresponding. F. chiffre, an arithmetical 
figure. 

CIRCLE, s. A line every where equidistant from a com- 
mon centre. L. circulus: circum, around. 

CIRCUIT, s. Motion around; comprehensive tour. L. 
circuities: circum, around, and itus, a going: eo, to go. 

CIRCULATE, v. To flow around; to interchange. L. 
circulo.-r See CIRCLE. 

CIRCUMAMBIENT, adj. Going around. L. circum, 
around, and ambiens, part, of ambio, to go about. 

CIRCUMCISE, v. To cut the foreskin. L. circumci- 
sum, sup. of circumcido: circum, around, and azdo, to 
cut. 

CIRCUMFERENCE, s. Boundary of a circle. L. 
circumferens, part, of circumfero: circum, around, 
and fero, to carry. -* 

CIRCUMFLUENT, adj. Flowing around. \,.circumfiu- 
ens, part, of circumjiuo : circum, around, and Jluo, to 
flow. 



CIRCUMFUSE. v. To spread around. L. circu?nfusum, 

sup. of circumfundo: circum, around, and fundo, to 

pour. 
CIRCUMJACENT, adj. Surrounding. L. circumja- 

cens, part, of circumjaceo: circum, around, and ja- 

ceo, to lie. 
CIRCUMLOCUTION, s. Indirect speaking. L. circu?n, 

about, and locutus, part, of loguor, to speak. 
CIRCUMNAVIGATE, v. To sail around. L. circum, 

around, and navigate. 
CIRCUMSCRIBE, v. To limit, by a real or imaginary 

circle; L. circum, around, and scribo, to write. 



CIR—CLA 

CIRCUMSPECT, adj. Cautious. L. circumsfiectus, p. 
part, of circumsfiicio: circum, around, and sfiecio, to 
view. 

CIRCUMSTANCE, s. Something relative to a fact; 
incident ; condition. L. circumstantial from circum, 
about, and stans, part of sto, to stand. 

CIRCUMVALLATION. s. A surrounding wall. L. 
circumvallatus, part, of circumvallo: circum, around, 
and vallo, (from vallum, a fence,) to enclose. 

CIRCUMVENT, v. To defeat by stratagem. L. cir- 
cumventum, sup. of circumvenio: circum, around, and 
venio, to come. 

CIRCUMVOLUTION, s. The act of rolling around. 
circumvolutus, p. part, of circumvolvo. — See CIR- 
CUMVOLVE. 

CIRCUMVOLVE. v. To roll around. L. circumvolvo; 
circum, around, and volvo, to roll. 

CIRCUS, s. An open place, or theatre, for equestrian 
exhibitions. L. circus; from circum, around. 

CITATION, s. A summoning; a quotation. L. citatus, 
p. part, of cito, to summon. 

CITY. s. This term cannot be strictly denned : its ap- 
plication is arbitrary. It is applied always to the ca- 
pital town ; and frequently, but not universally, to any 
incorporated town. We may safely apply it to places 
of great importance. F. site; probably, L. situs, part. 
of sino, to permit, or establish. The F. cite, is de- 
rived, by some, from L. civitas, a state: but the 
French word etat, is a more rational formation from 
civ it as. 

CIVIL, adj. Relating to the community in general ; 
mild; obliging. L. civilis; from civis, a citizen. 

CLAIM, v. To demand as a right. L. clamo, to call 
aloud. 

CLAMOROUS, adj. Noisy. L. clamor, a loud voice. — 
See CLAIM. 

CLANGOR, s. A loud, shrill sound. L. clangor, the 
sound of a trumpet. G. klange: klazo, to cry aloud. 

CLARE-OBSCURE, adj. Light and shade in painting. 
L. clarus, bright, and obscurus, dusky. 

CLARIFY, v. To brighten. L. clarus, clear, and/o, to 
be made* 



CLA— COA 

CLASSIC, or CLASSICAL, adj. Relating to ancient 
literature ; and to architecture, and modern literature, 
of the highest rank. L. classicus.—See CLASSICS 

CLASSICS, s. Ancient literature of the first rank; mo- 
dern literature of uncommon merit. L. classis, a 
school-bench : alluding to the seats arranged in the an- 
cient academies. 

CLAUSE, s. Part of a discourse, or of a sentence. L. 
clausus, p. part, oi claudo, to enclose: meaning, that 
a clause is separated by punctuation. 

CLEMENCY, s. Mercy; humanity. L. dementia, pity. 

CLIMACTERIC, or CLIMACTRIC. s. Relating to a 
period of life, when some great change is supposed to 
befall the body. F. clemacterique: G. klimakter, the 
step of a ladder.— See CLIMAX. 

CLIMATE, s. A space measured" from the equator to 
the poles ; a certain temperature or situation indicating 
a degree different from another. L. clima: G. klima; 
from klino, to change, or incline. 

CLIMAX. *. Gradual ascent; a rhetorical figure, by 
which the words gradually rise in importance. G. kli- 
max, a ladder. 

CLINIC, or CLINICAL, adj. Relating to a person 
who, from sickness, is compelled to remain in bed. A 
" clinical lecture" is delivered by a medical professor 
at the bed-side. G. klino, to lie down. 

CLOISTER, a. A place of religious seclusion. L. claus- 
trum, an enclosure, or closet. — See CLOSE. 

CLOSE, v. To shut. L. clausum, sup. of claudo, to 
shut. 

CLOSET, s. A small room for retirement, or for the 
preservation of valuable things. — See CLOSE. 

CLOUD, s. An opaque assemblage in the sky. L. clau- 
do, to shut. 

COADJUTOR, s. An assistant; a partner. L. con, to- 
gether, and adjutor, a helper: ad, to, and jutus, p. 
part, of juvo, to help. 

COAGULATE, v. To curdle. L. coagulo: con, toge- 
ther, and ago, to go. 

COALESCE, v. To unite. L. coalesco, to grow toge- 
ther: con, together, and alo, to nourish or increase. 



COA— .COI 

COALITION, s. Junctiqn. L. coalitus, part, of "coa- 
iesco.—See COALESCE. 

CODE. 5. A system of laws or regulations. F. code; 
L. codex, the ligneous part of a tree; by metonymy, a 
book: because, books were occasionally made of thin 
boards. 

CODICIL, s. An appendage to a will. L. codicillus, di- 
minutive of codex.*— See CODE. 

COEFFICIENT, adj. Uniting in action. L. con, toge- 
ther, and efficient. 

COERCE, -v. To restrain. L. coerceo: con, together, 
and arceo, to hold fast. 

COETERNAL. adj. Equally eternal. L. con, with, and 
eternal. 

COEVAL, adj. Equally ancient. L. cocevus: con, toge- 
ther, and cevum, an age. 

COEXIST, v. To exist at the same time. L. con, to- 
gether, and exist. 

COEXTEND. v. To reach to an equal distance. L. con, 
together, and extend. 

COGENT, adj. Powerful ; convincing. L. cogens, part, of 
cogo, to assemble or compel : con, together, and ago, 
to act. 

COGITATE, v. To think. L. cogito: from cogo, to as- 
semble ; meaning the mental faculties. 

COGNITION, s. Consciousness. L. cognitio, from cog- 
nosco, to discover or understand. 

COGNIZANCE, s. Judicial notice. F. connoissance: 
L. cognosco, to discover. 

COHABIT, -v. To live together as husband and wife : 
L. cohabito: con, together, and habito, to dwell. 

COHABITANT, s. An inhabitant of the same place. 
L. cohabitans, part, of cohabito: con, together, and ha- 
bito, to dwell. 

COHEIR, v. One of two or more persons who inherit 
the same estate. L. con, together, and heir. 

COHERE, s. To stick together. L. cohareo; con, toge- 
ther, and htzreo, to stick fast. 

COHESION. s. Sticking together; union of surfaces. 
L. cohasus, part, of cohcereo. — See COHERE. 

COINCIDE, v. To meet in the same point; to agree, 
L. coincido: con, together, in, into, and cado, to fall. 



COL— COL 

COLANDER, s. A strainer. L. colo, to strain, 

COLIC— See CHOLIC. 

COLLAR, s. A band for the neck. L. collum, the"%eck. 

COLLATE, v. To compare; to place in an ecclesiasti- 
cal benefice. L. collatum, sup. of confero; con, toge- 
ther, and fero, to bring. 

COLLATERAL, adj. Running parallel; not direct; 
equally related. L. con, together, and latus, a side: 
that is, side by side, remaining together. 

COLLATION, s. Comparison of one copy, or thing, 
with another of the same kind ; a species of repast ; a 
-particular mode of bestowing an ecclesiastical bene- 
fice. L. collatio.— See COLLATE. 

COLLEAGUE, s. An associate, or partner. L. con, to- 
gether, and league. 

COLLECT, v. To gather; to assemble. L. collectum, 
sup. of colligo: con, together, and lego, to gather. 

COLLEGE, s. A public place of study; a state-assem- 
bly. L. collegium; from colligo. — See COLLECT. 

COLLISION s. The act of striking together. L. col- 
lisio; from collido: con, together, and Icedo, to hurt. 

COLLOQUIAL, adj. Relating to familiar discourse.—- 
See COLLOQUY. 

COLLOQUY, s. A dialogue. L. colloquium; con, toge- 
ther, and loquor, to speak. 

COLLUSION, s. A design of two or more persons to 
defraud. L. collusio; con, together, and lusum, sup, 
of ludo, to cheat. 

COLON, s. A grammatical point (;); one of the intes- 
tines. G. kolon, a member. 

COLONY, s. A country planted by a foreign state; the 
people inhabiting, or intending to inhabit, the planta- 
tion. L. colonia; G. kolon, a. member. 

COLOSSUS, s. A huge statue. L. colossus; G. kolos- 
sos. The most celebrated colossal statue was that of 
Apollo, at Rhodes, which was 126 feet high. The 
name is derived from kollao, to join strongly with ce- 
ment; alluding to the number of pieces of which it 
was composed. 

COLURES. s. Two great circles, imagined to pass 
through the poles of the world, and through the equi- 
noctial and solstitial points. L. coluri; G, kolouri; 
[6] 



COM-^COM 

from kolouros, cut short : because a part of their cir- 
cumference lies under the horizon. 

COMBAT, v. To fight. F. combattre: L. con, toge- 
ther, and batuo, to beat. 

COMBINE, v. To unite. F. combiner; L. con, toge- 
ther, and binus, a couple. 

COMBUSTIBLE, adj. Susceptible of ignition. L. com- 
bustum, sup. of comburo, to burn. 

COMEDY, s. An amusing drama. L. comedia; G. ko- 
me, a village. 

COMET, s. A kind of planet. L. cometa; from coma, 
hair: referring to its apparent tail. 

COMMA, s. A grammatical point (,) denoting the 
shortest pause in reading; in music, the ninth part of 
a tone. G. komma, a slice, or very small part. 

COMMAND, s. Government; direction. F. commande: 
L. con and mando, to intrust with : mando is from ma- 
nus, a hand, and do, to give ; meaning, to commit to 
another's power. 

COMMEMORATE, v. To preserve a recollection pub- 
licly. L. commemoro; con, together, and memoro, to 
remember. 

COMMEND, -v. To recommend; to approve. L. com- 
mendo; con, with, and mando, to intrust. 

COMMENDAM. s. A church benefice, given in trust. 
—See COMMEND. 

COMMENSURATE, adj. Equal; proportionate. L. 
con, with, and mensura, a measure. 

COMMENT', v. To remark. L. commentor; from 
commentus, part, of comminisco, to call to mind. 

COMMERCE, s. Trade; intercourse. F. commerce; 
L. commercium; con, together, and mercor, to pur- 
chase. 

COMMINGLE, v. To blend. L. con, together, and min- 
gle. 

COMMISERATE, v. To pity. L. commiseror; con t 
with, misereor, to be sorry. 

COMMISSARY. s. In military language, means a per- 
son who superintends the supplying of an army with 
clothing, provisions, and ammunition. Low L. commis- 
sarius.—See COMMISSION. 

COMMISSION, s. Authority given. F. commission; 



COM— COM 

L. commissum; con, with, and missus, p. part, of mitto, 

to send. 
COMMIT, v. To give in trust. L. committo; con, with, 

and mitto, to send. 
COMMITTEE, s. Persons chosen by a larger number, 

to consider some business and report their opinion. — * 

See COMMIT. 
COMMIX, v. To blend. L. con, together, and mix. 
COMMODE, s. A night-stool. F. commode; L. commv? 

dum, convenience. 
COMMODIOUS, adj. Convenient. L. commodus; con, 

with, and modus, due proportion. 
COMMODITY, s. Something useful. F. commoditc; 

L. commodita8.—See COMMODIOUS. 
COMMON, adj. General; vulgar. L. communis; con, 

together, and munus, a benefit, or right. 
COMMUNIS US JJVJSTIS. On the annual average. L. 

communibus, in common, annis, years: (communis 

and annus.') 
COMMUNICATE, v. To impart, or reveal. L. commu- 

nico.—Se& COMMON. 
COMMUNION, s. Intercourse; participation. L. com- 

munio.—See COMMON. 
COMMUTE, v. To change. L. commuto; from con, 

with, and muto, to change. 
COM'PACT. s. An agreement. L. con, with, and pac- 

tus, part, of fiaciscor, to bargain. 
COMPACT', adj. Firm; close. L. comfiactus, p. part. 

of compingo, to put together. 
COMPANION. *. An associate. F. compagnon; L. con, 

together, and pango, to fix, or agree upon. 
COMPARATIVE, adj. Relating to comparison.— -See 

COMPARE. 
COMPARE, v. To judge or estimate relatively. L* 

comparo; con, together, and par, a couple. 
COMPASSION, s. Pity. F. compassion: L. con, with, 

and fiassus, part, of patior, to suffer. 
COMPATIBLE, adj. Suitable; consistent. F. compati- 
ble: L. con, together, and patior, to suffer, or, to be 

mixed with. 
COMPATRIOT, s. One of the same country. F. com- 

patriote; L. con, together, and patria, a country. 



COM—COM 

COMPEL, v. To force. L. compello; from con, with, 
and pello, to drive. 

COMPENDIOUS, adj. Short; abridged. L. compendi- 
um, an abstract. — See COMPENDIUM. 

COMPENDIUM, s. An abstract; an abridgment. L. 
compendium; from con, together, and pendo, to deli- 
berate on : meaning, that care was used to admit only 
what was important. 

COMPENSx\TE. v. To recompense. L. comfienso; con, 
with, and fienso, to consider, or value. 

COMPETENT, adj. Suitable; adequate. L. comfietens, 
part, ©f competo, to agree. 

COMPETITION, s. Rivalship. L. con, together, and 
petitio, a desire. 

COMPILE, j?. To collect from the works of others. L. 
compilo; from con, and pilo, to pull off. 

COMPLA'CENT. adj. Mild. L. complacens, part, of 
complaceo, to please. 

COMPLAIN. x>. To murmur. F. complaindre; L. con, 
and plango, to beat, (meaning the breast,) or bewail. 

COMPLAISANT', adj. Polite. F. complaisant; L. com- 
placens.— -See COMPLACENT. 

COMPLEMENT, s. Generally signifies a just quantity. 
L. complementum, a filling up, or completion; from 
compleo.— See COMPLETE. 

COMPLETE, adj. Perfect. L. completus, part, of com- 
fileor; con, with, and fileor, to be filled. 

COMPLEX, adj. Of many parts; entangled. L. corn- 
plexus, part, of complector; con, together, and plector, 
to be folded. 

COMPLEXION, s. Appearance, (all the colours or all 
the circumstances, being seen in one view.) F. com- 
plexion. L. complexio. — See COMPLEX. 

COMPLICATE, adj. Involved; difficult. L. complica- 
tus, part, of complico; con, together, and plico, to fold. 

COMPLIMENT, s. Flattery. F. compliment; from 
compiler.— See COMPLY. 

COMPLY, v. To accord with ; to submit. F. compiler; 
comme, as, and filter, to bend. 

COMPORT, v. To agree; to suit; (followed by with.) 
F. comporter; L. con, together, and porto, to carry or 
bear. 



com— cor 

COMPOSE, v. To put together; to invent; to calm. 
F. composer} L. compositum, sup. of compono; con, 
together, and //o?zo, to place. 

COMPOSITE, adj. Of several kinds. L. compositus.— 
See COMPOSE. 

COMPOS MENTIS. Of sound and composed mind. 
L. compos, a partaker, mentis, (gen. of mens,) of the 
mind: compos may, however, be an abbreviation of 
compositus, adjusted. 

COMPOST, s. A mixture for manure.— See COM- 
POSE. 

COMPOSURE, v. Calmness of mind; tranquillity.— 
See COMPOSE. 

COMPOUND, v. To mix. L. compono.— See COM- 
POSE. 

COMPREHEND, v. To include; to understand. L. 
comprehendo; con, together, and prendo, to lay hold 
on. 

COMPRESS, v. To condense. L. compressum, sup. of 
comprimo; con, together, and premo, to press. 

COMPRISE, v. To contain. F. compris, comprised; 
from comprendre.— See COMPREHEND. 

COMPROMISE, s. Mutual abatement. F. compromise 
L. compromissum; con, together, and promissns, p. 
part, of promitto, to promise. 

COMPTROLLER, s. A supervisor. F. compte, an ac- 
count, and rolle, a list. 

COMPULSION, s. Force. L. compulsio; compulsus, 
p. part, of compello. — See COMPEL. 

COMPUNCTION, s. Uneasiness, of conscience. F. 
compunction; L. punctus,.p. part, of pungo, to prick. 

COMPURGATOR, s. One who bears his testimony to 
the credibility of another : (compurgators are not, how- 
ever, admitted in modern times.) L. compurgator; 
con, together, and pur go, to cleanse. — See Hume's 
History of England. 

COMPUTE, -v. To calculate. L. computo; con, toge- 
ther, and puto, to consider. 

CONCATENATION. 5. Uninterrupted succession. L. 
con, together, and catena, a chain. 

CONCAVE, adj. Hollow; opposed to convex: L. con- 
cavus; from cavea, a cave. 



CON—CON 

CONCEAL, v. To hide. L. concelo; celo, to hide. 

CONCEDE, v. To yield, or grant. L. concede: con, 
with, and cedo, to yield. 

CONCEIT. s. Thought ; opinion ; pride. F. concept: 
L. concefitus, p. part, of concifiio, to conceive. 

CONCENTRATE, v. To bring together. L. con, to- 
gether, and centrum, the centre. 

CONCEPTION, s; Idea; knowledge; state of becom- 
ing pregnant. L. concefitio: concefitus, p. part, of con- 
cifiio, to conceive: con, together, and cafiio, to take. 

CONCERN, s. Business; participation; regard. F. con- 
cerner, to regard. L. con, with, and cerno, to see. 

CONCESSION, s. Act of conceding. L. concessio: from 
cow, and cessum, sup. of cerfo, to yield. 

CONCILIATE, v. To reconcile; to gain. L. concilio: 
concilium, a council. 

CONCISE, adj. Brief. L. concisus, part, of concidor, 
to cut. 

CONCLAVE, s. A close assembly. L. conclave, an in- 
ner apartment: con, with, and clavis, a key. 

CONCLUDE. «; To finish; to decide. L. conclude: 
con, and claudo, to shut up. 

CONCLUSION, s. Termination; result. L. conclusio. 
—See CONCLUDE. 

CONCOCT, v. To digest; to ripen. L. concoctum, sup. 
of concoquo, to boil. 

CONCOMITANT, adj. Accompanying. L. concomU 
tans: con, together, and comitans, part, of comitor, to 
accompany. 

CONCORD, s. Agreement. L. concordia: con, toge- 
ther, and cordia, hearts. 

CONCOURSE, s. Assemblage. F. concours: L. con- 
cursus.—See CONCUR. 

CONCRETE, s. A substance formed by the union of 
dry particles. L. concretio; concretus, part, of con- 
cresco, to be joined together: con and cresco. 

CONCUPISCENCE, s. Irregular desire; lust. L. con- 
cufiiscentia; concufiisco, to covet: incep. from con, and 
cufiio, to desire. 

CONCUR, v. To meet in one point; to agree. L. con- 
curro: con, together, and curro, to run. 

CONCUSSION, s. Sudden and great agitation. L. con- 



i 



CON— CON 

cussio: con, together, and quassus, p. part, of quatio^ 

to shake, or jolt. 
CONDEMN, v. To pronounce guilty; to censure; to 

declare unfit for use. L. condemno: con, with, and 

damnum, loss, or damage. 
CONDENSE, v. To make closer. L. condenso: con, 

together, and denseo, to thicken. 
CONDESCEND, -v. To stoop. L. condescendo; con, 

with, and descendo,Ao come down. 
CONDIGN, adj. Suitable; deserved. L. condignus;- 

from con, with, and dignus, proper. 
CONDITION, s. Stipulation; state. L. conditio; condo, 

to build. 
CONDOLE, v. To join in grief. L. condoleo; con, with, 

and doleo, to grieve. 
CONDUCE, v. To contribute. L. conduco; con, toge- 
ther, and duco, to lead. 
CONDUCT', v. To lead, or direct. L. conduco; con, 

together, and duco, to lead. 
CON'DUCT. s. Management; behaviour.— -See the 

verb. 
CONDUIT, s. An aqueduct. F. conduit.See CON- 
DUCT'. 
CONE. s. A solid body, having a circular base, and 

declining regularly to a point. L. conus: G. konos, 

the seed of the pine; or a cone. 
CONFABULATION, s. Conversation. L. confabula- 

tio; con. together, and fabula, a discourse. 
CONFECTIONER, s. A maker of sweetmeats. L. con- 

fectio, a preparation: con, together, and facio, to 

make. 
CONFEDERATE, s. An ally; an associate. L. con, 

together, and fcederatus, allied : fadus, a league. 
CONFER, -u. To consult; to bestow. L. confer?; con, 

together, andycro, to bring. 
CONFIDENCE, s. Trust. L. confdentia; from con f 

with, and fdes, faith. 
CONFI'NE. v. To limit; to imprison. F. confiner; L. 

con, with, andyzm's, a boundary. 
CON 'FINES. *. Borders. F. confins; L. confine, a 

place adjoining: con, together; and finis, a boundary. 



CON— CON 

CONFIRM, v. To establish. L. conflrmo; con, toge- 
ther, and flrmo, to strengthen. 

CONFISCATE, v. To seize for public use. L. con- 
flscor; flscus, a public money-bag. 

CONFLAGRATION, s. An extensive fire. F. confla- 
gration; L. con, together, and flagro, to burn. 

CON'FLICT. s. A contest. L. conflictus; from confli- 
go; con, together, and fligo, to dash. 

CONFLUENCE, s. Meeting of streams. L. confluens, 
part, of confluo; con, together, and fluo, to flow. 

CONFLUX, s. Concourse; crowd. L. confluxus; part, 
of confluo.^— See CONFLUENCE. 

CONFORM, v. To assimilate; to comply with. L. con- 
formo; con, with, and formo, to shape. 

CONFOUND, v. To perplex, or amaze. L. con/undo; 
fundo, to pour out, or scatter. 

CONFRONT, v. To bring face-to-face. F. confronted; 
L. con, together, and frons, the forehead, or front. 

CONFUSE, v. To disorder, or perplex. L. confusum, 
sup. of con/undo.— See CONFOUND. 

CONFUTE, -v. To convict of error, or falsehood. L. 
confuto; from con, and futilis, silly, trifling. 

CONGEAL, v. To become solid, as ice. L. congelo; 
gelu, ice. 

CONGE' D'ELIRE. s. Signifies, in England, the king's 
permission to a dean and chapter, to choose a bishop. 
F. conge, a license, d'elire, to elect. 

CONGENIAL, adj. Of the same kind; agreeable. L* 
con, with, and genus, a sort. 

CONGLOMERATE. <v. To become round. L. con- 
glomero; con, and glomus, a ball of thread. 

CONGLUTINATE. v. To cement. lu. conglutino: glu- 
ten, glue. 

CONGRATULATE; v. To rejoice with a person on 
account of his good fortune. L. congratulor; con, with, 
and gratus, thankful. 

CONGREGATION, s. A collection; a religious assem- 
bly. L. congregatio: from con, together, and greges, 
plural o£ grex, a flock. 

CONGRESS, s. A meeting; a national assembly. L, 
congressio; from congredior: con 5 together? and gra~ 
dior, to go: gradus, a step. 



CON—CON 

CONJECTURE, s. Supposition. L. conjectural con, 
together, and jacioy to throw [our ideas.] 

CONJUGAL, adj. Matrimonial. L. conjugalis: conju- 
gisy gen. of conjux: con, together, and jugum, a 
yoke. 

CONJUGATE, v. To decline a verb through its va- 
riations, and with a nominative prefixed; so that the 
verb shall agree with the nominative in number and 
person. L. conjugo: con, together, and jugo, to join. 

CONJUNCTION. s.Union; a connector of words. L. 
conjunctio; from conjungo: con, together, avid jungo, 
to join. 

CONNECT, -v. To join: L. connecto; from con, toge- 
ther, and necto, to link. 

CONNIVE, v. To aid, by pretending ignorance of an- 
other's design. L. conniveoy to wink. 

CONNOISSEUR, s. A judge, or critic. F. connoisseur; 
L. cognosco, to know. 

CONNUBIAL, adj. Nuptial. L. connubialis: con, to- 
gether, and nuboy to cover, or marry. 

CONSANGUINITY, s. Relation by blood. L. consan- 
guinitas; cony together, and sanguis, blood. 

CONSCIENCE, s. Self-knowledge; moral feeling. L. 
conscientia; con, and sciens, part, of scio, to know. 

CONSCIOUS, s. Knowing any thing, from internal 
judgment or moral feeling. L. conscius. — See CON- 
SCIENCE. 

CONSCRIPTION, s. Military enrolment. L. conscriji- 
tio; cony together, and scrifitusy p. part, of scribo, to 
write. 

CONSECRATE, v. To make holy. L. consecro; sa- 
crum, a holy rite. 

CONSECUTIVE, adj. Uninterrupted. F. consecutif: 
L. cony together, and secutus, part, of sequory to fol- 
low. 

CONSENT, v. To agree; to admit. L. consentio; con, 
with, and sentio, to think. 

CONSEQUENCE, s. Effect. L. consequentia; from con- 
sequensy following, or ensuing. Consequence is often 
improperly used for importance, — a person of conse- 
quence, instead of a person of importance. 

CONSERVATOR, s. A preserver of the public hap- 



CON— CON 

piness. L. conservator; from con, together, and set- 
vo, to keep. 

CONSERVATORY, s. A place for holding delicate 
things.— See CONSERVATOR. 

CONSIDER, v. To study; to regard. L. consider o; 
con, together, and sidera, stars: meaning, to calcu- 
late deliberately, in the manner of astrologers. 

CONSIDERABLE, adj. Worthy of consideration ; great. 
—See CONSIDER. 

CONSIGN. ~v. To assign, or intrust. L. consigno: con, 
and signo, to mark. 

CONSIST, v. To be contained. L. consisto; con, to- 
gether, and sisto, to be set. 

CONSISTENT, adj. According; proper. L. consis- 
tens, part, of consisto; con, together, and sisto, to be 
set. 

CONSISTORIAL. adj. Relating to an ecclesiastical 
court. L. consisto, to remain in one place : that is, not 
circuitous, as the civil courts. 

CONSOLE, v. To comfort. L. consolor; from con, with, 
and solor, to cheer. 

CONSOLIDATE, -v. To make firm; to unite. L. con, 
together, and solidus, firm. 

CONSO'NANT. adj. According with. L. consonans, 
part, of consono; con, with, and sono, to sound. 

CON'SONANT. s. A letter, such as b, c, d; the name 
of which cannot be articulated without the aid of a 
vowel ; therefore, sounded with another letter. — See 
CONSO'NANT. 

CONSORT. *. A wife; a companion. L. con, together, 
and sors, a lot. 

CONSPICUOUS, adj. Obvious to the sight; distin- 
guished. L. consfiicuus; from conspicio, (con, and sjie- 
cio,) to discern. 

CONSPIRE, v. To plot; to join. L. consfiiro: con, to- 
gether, and sfiiro, to breathe. 

CONSTANT, adj. Perpetual; continent; assiduous. L. 
constans; from con, with, and 5?a?2s,part. of sto,to stand. 

CONSTELLATION, s. A cluster of stars. L. con, to- 
gether, and stella, stars. 

CONSTERNATION, s. Amazement. L, consternation 
con, together, and ster no, to spread, or throw down. 



CON— CON 

CONSTIPATE, v. To thicken; to make costive. L. 

constijio; con, together, and stifio, to stuff. 
CONSTITUENT, s. A necessary part; one who ap- 
points. L. constituent.— See CONSTITUTE. 
CONSTITUTE, v. To form; to appoint. L. constituo; 

con, together, and statuo, to establish. 
CONSTITUTION, s. The act of constituting; frame. 

L. constitutio See CONSTITUTE. 

CONSTRAIN, v. To compel. F. constraindre; L. con y 

together, and stringo, to bind. 
CONSTRUE, v. To explain; to interpret. L. construo; 

from con, together, and struo, to arrange. 
CONSTRUCT, -v. To frame; to build; to form in the 

mind. L. constructum, sup. of construo; con, together, 

and struo, to pile up. 
CONSTRUCTION. *. The act of building; structure; 

grammatical, logical, or mathematical, arrangement. 

L. construct™.— See CONSTRUCT. 
CONSUL, s. A species of public officer. L. consul; 

from consulo, to advise, or provide for. 
CONSUME, v. To spend; to destroy. L. consumo; 

con, and sumo, to take. 
CONSUMMATE, v. To complete. L. consummo; 

from summus, the top. 
CONSUM'MATE. adj. Complete; accomplished. L,. 

consummatus. — See the verb. 
CONSUMPTION, s. The act of consuming; wasting. 

L. consumfitio. — See CONSUME. 
CONTACT, s. Junction. L. contactus, p. part, of con- 

tingo: con, together, and tango, to touch. 
CONTAGION.' s. Infection. L. contagio.—See CON- 
TACT. 
CONTAIN, v. To hold; to comprise. L. contineo; con, 

together, and teneo, to hold. 
CONTAMINATE, v. To corrupt. L. contamino, t* 

mix one thing with another. 
CONTEMN, v. To despise. L. contemno; con, and 

temno, to despise : G. temno, to cut off. 
CONTEMPLATE, v, To study. L. contemfilor ; tern- 

jilum, a recess. 
CONTEMPORARY, or COTEMPORARY. adj. Ex- 



CON— CON 

isting at the same time. L. con, together, and temjiora, 
plural of temfius, time. 

CONTEMPT, s. Scorn. L. contemfitio; contemptus, 
p. paft. of contemno. — See CONTEMN. 

CONTEND, v. To strive in opposition. L. contendo; 
from con, together, and tendo, to stretch out. 

CONTENT, adj. Satisfied. L. contentus, p. part, of 
contineo; con, with, and teneo, to hold fast. 

CONTENTION, s. Strife. L. content™.— See CON- 
TEND. 

CONTEST, v. To dispute. L. contestor; con, together, 
and testor, to aver, or call evidence. 

CONTEXT, s. General connexion or body of a dis- 
course. L. contextus, woven together. 

CONTIGUOUS, adj. Neighbouring. L. contiguus; from 
contingo.— See CONTACT. 

CONTINENCE, s. Self-restraint; chastity. F. conti- 
nence: L. continentia. — See CONTINENT. 

CONTINENT, adj. Unchangeable; chaste. F. conti- 
nent; L. continens, part, of contineo; con, together, 
and teneo, to hold. 

CONTINENT, s. A vast tract of land. F. continent. — 
See the adjective. 

CONTINGENCY, s. Accidental possibility. L. contin- 
gens, part, of contingo; con, together, and tango, to 
touch. 

CONTINUE, v. To remain; to extend. L. continuo; 
con, together, and teneo, to hold. 

CONTINUITY, s. Connexion; continuation. F. conti- 
nuite.—See CONTINUE. 

CONTORTION, s. Twist; contraction. L. contortio; 
from con, together, and tortus, p. part, of torqueo, to 
twist. 

CONTRACT', v. To lessen in extent; to bargain. L. 
contractum, sup. of contraho; con, together, and tra/io, 
to draw. 

CON 'TRACT, a. A bargain. — See the verb. 

CONTRACTION, a. The act of shortening. L. con- 
tractio.—See CONTRACT. 

CONTRADICT, v. To deny, or oppose verbally. L. 
contradictum, sup. of contradico; contra, against, and 
dico, to speak. 



CON— CON 

CONTRADISTINGUISH. t.To distinguish, by quali- 
ties not only different, but opposite. L. contra, oppo- 
site to, and distinguish. 

CONTRARY, adj. Opposite. L. contrarius: contra, 
against, or opposite to. 

CONTRAST, s. Opposition, in form, colours, &c. F. 
contraste: L. contra, opposite to. 

CONTRA VALLATION. s. A defence erected paral- 
lel with another. L. contra^ against, and vallum, a 
defence. 

CONTRAVENE, v. To oppose; to obstruct. L. con- 
travenio: contra, against, and venio, to come. 

CONTRIBUTE, v. To give aid, in conjunction with, 
one or more persons. L. contribuo: con, together, and 
tribuo, to give. 

CONTRITE, adj. Penitent. L. contritus, p. part, of 
contero: con, together, and tritus, (p. part, of tero,) 
bruised. 

CONTRIVE, v. To plan. F. cantrouver; comme, as or 
like, and trouver, to find. 

CONTROL, s. Check; restraint. F. controle; from con- 
tre, against, and rolle, & list: meaning, a document 
capable of discovering the errors of an account. 

CONTROVERT, v. To dispute. L. controverto, from 
contra, against, and verto, to turn. 

CONTUMELY, s. Contempt; reproach. L. consume- 
Ha; from con, and tumeo, to swell, or strut. 

CONTUSION, s. Bruise. L. contusio; con, together, 
and tusus, p. part, of tundo, to beat. 

CONVALESCENT, adj. Recovering strength. L. con- 
-valescens, part, of convalesco, to grow strong: valeo t 
to be able. 

CONVENE, v. To assemble. L. convenio: con, to- 
gether, and -venio, to come. 

CONVENIENT, adj. Near; suitable. L. conveniens, 
part, of convenio: con, together, and venio, to come. 

CONVENT, s. A monastery, or nunnery. L. conven- 
tus, p. part, of convenio. — See CONVENE. 

CONVENTION, s. An assembly. L. conventio.—Set 
CONVENE. 

CONVERGE, v. To tend towards one point. L. con- 
vergo; con, together, and vergo, to incline. 

p] 



CON— COP 

CONVERSANT, adj. Acquainted with, in relation to 
things. F. conversant, part, of converser. — See CON- 
VERSE. By this species of conversation, things are 
personified. 

CONVERSE', v. To talk together. L. conversor; from 
con, together, and verso, to turn often. 

CON'VERSE. s. A term in geometry and logic, signi- 
fying opposition. L. conversus, p. part, of converto.— 
See CONVERT. 

CONVERT, v. To change. L. converto: con, with, and 
verto, to turn. 

CONVEY, v. To carry; to impart. L. conveho, to 
carry. 

CONVICT', v. To prove guilty. L. convictum, sup. of 
convinco, to vanquish, or convict. 

CONVICTION, s. Detection of guilt; state of being 
convinced.— See CONVICT. 

CONVINCE, v. To overcome or satisfy by argument. 
L. convinco, to vanquish, or convince. 

CONVIVIAL, adj. Social; cheerful. L. convivialis: 
con, together, and vivo, to live. 

CONVOCATION, s. An assembly summoned by au- 
thority. L. convocatio. — See CONVOKE. 

CONVOKE, v. To assemble by authority. L. convocoj 
con, together, and voco, to call. 

CONVOLUTION, s. The act or state of rolling to- 
gether. L. convolutio.— See CONVOLVE. 

CONVOLVE, v. To roll one part upon another. L. con- 
volvo: con, together, and volvo, to roll. 

CON'VOY. s. A guard, when passing by land or sea; 
things guarded. F. convoi: L. con, with, and F. voir, 
to see. 

CONVULSE, v. To shake violently into disorder. L. 
convulsus, p. part, of convello: con, together, and vello, 
to tug. 

CO-OPERATE, v. To labour or act jointly. L. con, to- 
gether, and operate. 

CO-ORDINATE, adj. Having the same rank. L. con t 
together, and ordinatus, p. part, of ordino, to range. 

COPIOUS, adj. Plentiful. L. cofiiosus: from co/iia^ 
plenty. 

COPULA, s. In logic, signifies the word which unites 



COP— COR 

the subject and predicate of a proposition. L. copula: 
from copulo, to couple See COUPLE. 

COPULATIVE, adj. A term in grammar and logic. 
L. cofiulativus. — See COUPLE. 

COPY. .9. Exact resemblance. F. cojiie: L. cofiia, ful- 
ness; because, a copy contains the whole matter or 
form of the original. 

COQUET, s. A female who assiduously endeavours to 
gain admirers. F. coquette; from quetter, to search. 

CORAM WON JUDICE. Before an improper tribunal. 
L. coram, before, non, not, judice, abl. of judex, a 
judge. 

CORDIAL, s. A stimulating or comforting medicine. 
F. cordial: L. cor, the heart. 

CORDIAL, adj. Comforting; sincere; friendly. F. cor- 
dial: L. cor, the heart. 

CORDON, s. An extensive line of soldiers, to prevent 
communication between different places. F. cordon, a 
string. 

CORE. s. The inner part, generally of vegetables. F. 
cceur: L. cor, the heart. 

CORNEA, s. The horny coat of the eye. L. cornea; 

from cornu, a horn. 
'CORNUCOPIA, s. A heathenish fiction, referring to 
the horn said to have been broken off from Achelous, 
by Hercules. L. cornucopia: cornu, a horn, and cojiia, 
abundance. 

CORNUTED. Horned. L. cornutus; cornu, a horn. 

COROLLARY, s. Conclusion; surplus of a train of rea- 
soning. L. corolla, a little crown: meaning, figura- 
tively, that which crowns or Jinishes the whole. 

CORONATION, s. The act of crowning. 1j. corona, 
a crown. 

CORONER, s. An officer whose duty is to inquire, on 
the part of a sovereign, or state, how any violent or ac- 
cidental death was caused. F. coronaire; Is. corona, 
a crown. 

CORONET, s. The crown of a nobleman. L. corona, a 
crown; through the Italian dim. coronetta. 

CORPORAL, adj. Relating to the body. L. corporalis; 
corfius, a body, or any substance. 



COR— COS 

CORPORATION, s. A chartered company; persons 
embodied. L. corpus, a body. 

CORPOREAL, adj. Bodily; not spiritual. L. corfiore- 
us. — See CORPORAL. The distinction between 
Corporal and Corporeal, if any exist, is not strictly 
ascertained : the latter term is sufficient ; it may, 
Therefore, be used in place of the former, and is the 
most elegant. The Latin corporalis and co?~poreus, 
from which they are respectively derived, appear to 
be synonymous. 

CORPS, s. A body of soldiers; a professional body, (pro- 
nounced core) F. corps; L. corpus, a body. 

CORPS DIPLOMATIQUE. The diplomatic body. 
F. corps, a body, and diplomatique, diplomatic. 

CORPSE, s. A dead human body. L. corpus, a body. 

CORPULENT, adj. Large in flesh. L. corpulentus: 
from corpus, the body, and lentus, heavy. 

CORPUSCLE, s. A particle of matter. L. corpuscu- 
lum, a small body; dim. of corpus, a body. v 

CORR.ECT. -v. To amend; to punish. L. correctum, 
sup. of corrigo: con, and regatta rule. 

CORRELATIVE, adj. Having reciprocal relation. L. 
con, together, and relative. 

CORRESPOND. ~o. To communicate by alternate let- 
ters ; to fit. L. con, together, and rcspondeo, to an- 
swer. 

CORRIGIBLE, adj. Relating to that which can be 
amended. F. corrigible: L. corrigo, to set right; con, 
and rego, to govern. 

CORROBORATE, -v. To strengthen by additional evi- 
dence. L. corroboro; from con, together, and roboro, 
to strengthen. 

CORRODE, v. To consume slowly. L. corrodo, to 
gnaw. 

CORRUPT, adj. Infected ; depraved. L. corruptus, p. 
part, of corrumpo, to spoil. 

CORSE, s. A term, used by poets, to denote a dead hu- 
man body. See CORPSE. 

CORUSCANT. adj. Glittering*. L. coruscans, part, of 
corusco, to glitter. 

COSMETIC, adj. Beautifying. F. cosmetiqiie; G. ta= 
■mctikos; from kosmeo, to adorn, 



COS— cou 

COSMOGONY, s. The formation of the world. G. 
kosmos, the world, and gone, seed. 

COSMOGRAPHER. s. One who describes the world. 
G. kosmos, the world, and grafiho, to write, or de- 
scribe. 

COSMOPOLITAN, or COSMOPOLITE, s. A citi- 
zen of the world. G. kosmos, the world, and polites, a 
citizen. 

COTERIE. 8. A select assembly of fashionable people 
for the purpose of dancing. F. coterie, a club; cote, a 
party, and rire, to laugh, or be merry. 

COTILLON, s. A species of dance. F. cotillon; mean- 
ing, originally, a petticoat: that part of the dress being 
m the dance, occasionally extended by the hands. 

COUCH, s. A seat for repose; a bed. F. couche, a bed. 

COUCHANT. adj. Couching; squatting. F. couchant, 
part, of coucher, to lie down. 

COUNSELLOR, s. An adviser. L. consiliarius;- from 
consilium, deliberation, or advice. 

COUNTENANCE, s. Form of the face; patronage. F. 
contenance; L, con, together, and tenens, part, of te- 
neo, to hold, or remain : meaning, that the entire fea- 
tures are contemplated in one view. 

COUNTER, adj. Contrary; opposite. F. contre; L. 
contra, against. 

COUNTERACT, v. To labour against.— See COUN- 
TER and ACT. 

COUNTERFEIT, s. A deceitful imitation. F. contre- 
fait, part, of contrefaire: from contre, against, and 
faire, to make. 

COUNTERMAND, s. To repeal a command. F. con- 
tremander: L, contra, against, and mando, to give 
orders. 

COUNTERMARCH, v. To march back, over the same 
ground.— See COUNTER and MARCH. 

COUNTERMINE. v,To perforate an enemy's mine; 
to defeat one stratagem by another. — See COUNTER 
and MINE. 

COUNTERMOTION. s. Contrary motion. -See 

COUNTER and MOTION. 

COUNTERPOISE, v. To counterbalance. See 

COUNTER and POISE. 

P*] 



COU— CRE 

COUNTERSIGN, v. To sign additionally, as secretary 
or clerk.— See COUNTER and SIGN. 

COUNTERTENOR. « r A term in music.— See COUN- 
TER and TENOR. 

COUNTERVAIL, v. To oppose with an equal degree 
of power. L. contra, against, and valeo, to be able. 

COUNTERWORK, v. To counteract.— See COUN- 
TER and WORK. 

COUNTY, s. A certain portion of a country. F. comfite, 
a chief, or earl, who formerly presided over the dis- 
trict called a county. 

COUP I>E GRACE. The stroke which terminated the 
sufferings of those who had been broken on the wheel. 
F. coup, a stroke, cle, of, grace, favour, or mercy. 

COUP DE MAIjY. A bold and sudden enterprise. F. 
coup, a blow or action, de, of, main, the hand. 

COUP I)' CEIL. The entire view, suddenly taken. F. 
coup, a stroke, de, of, ceil, the eye, 

COUPLE, s. A means of joining two things; two; a 
male and his female. F. couple; L. copula; from co- 
pulo, to join: con, together, and pulsus, p. part, of 
.pello, to drive. 

COURIER, s. A messenger. F. courier: L. curro, to 
run. 

COURSE, s. Race; progress; way. F. course: L. cur- 
sus, a race ; from curro, to run. 

COVE. s. A recess; a circular bay. F. cove, a pigeon 
hole; couver, to be hid. 

COVENANT, s. A contract. F. con-venant, part, of 
convenir, to agree : L. con, together, and venio, to 
come. 

COVERT, s. A hiding place. F. convert, shelter: cou- 
ver, to lurk. 

COVERT, adj. Sheltered ; relating to the legal privi- 
leges of a married woman. — See the noun. 

COVEY. 5. A brood of partridges. F. couvee: from 
couver, to lurk. 

CRAZY, adj. Shattered ; mentally deranged. F. ecraze, 
part, of ecraser, to break into pieces. 

CREATE, v. To originate; to make. L. creatum, sup> 
of crco< to make. 

CREATURE. .?. Thing made.— See CREATE. 



■CRE— GRU 

CREDENCE, s. Belief. L< credens, part, of credo, t& 
believe. 

CREDENDA. Things to be believed ; articles of reli- 
gious faith. L. credenda; to be believed: a part, of 
credo. 

CREDENTIAL, s. That which authorizes belief.— See 
CREDENCE. 

CREDIBLE, adj. Worthy of belief. L. credibili&.—See 
CREDENCE. 

CREDIT, s. Belief; trust; respectability; allowance. F. 
credit; L. creditus, p. part, of credo, to believe. 

CREDITOR, s. One who has trusted. L. creditor.-— 
See CREDIT. 

CREDULITY, s. Incautious belief. F. creduliter—See 
CREDIT. 

CREED, s. Form of belief. L. credo, I believe; which 
is the first word in the apostle's creed. 

CRESCENT, s. A resemblance of the moon, when ap- 
parently increasing; adj. increasing. L. crescens, part. 
of cresco, to increase. 

CRESCIVE. adj. Increasing. L. cresco, to increase. 

CREST. 5. A plume of feathers; a term in heraldry; 
curve of a horse's neck. L. crista, a tuft, or plume. 

CRIMINAL, adj. Faulty; chargeable with a crime. L. 
crimen, a crime. 

CRISIS, s. The height, or the turn of a disease; criti- 
cal time. L. crisis: G. krfois, judgment : because the 
symptoms have become more evident, and an opinion 
is the more easily formed. 

CRITERION, s. A mark; a sign. G. kritcrion: from 
krites, a judge. 

CRITIC, s. One who is fond of examining and observ- 
ing. G. kritikos: krites, a judge. 

CROSIER, s. A bishop's staff. ¥. crosier: L. crux, a 
cross. 

CRUCIBLE, s. A chemist's melting-pot. Low L. cm- 
cibulum: G. chrusos, gold; alluding to its use in melt- 
ing this metal. 
CRUCIFIX, s. A representation of Christ's -death. L. 
crucifixus: crucis, gen. of crux, a cross, and fixus % 
fastened. 
CRUDE, adj. Unfinished"; impure, L. crudus, raw. 



CRU— CUR 

CRUISE, s. A sea-adventure. F. croise: L. crux, a 

cross. The first cruisers displayed the cross, and 

plundered only infidels. 
CRURAL, adj. Belonging to the leg, F. crural; L. 

cruris, gen. of crus, a leg. 
CRUSADE, s. An expedition against infidels. F. croi- 

sade.— See CRUISE. 
CRYPTOGRAPHY, s. The science of writing secret 

characters; ciphers. G. krufito, to hide, and grafiho, 

to write. 
CRYSTAL. 5. A hard, transparent, colourless body. 

F. crystal; L. crystallus; G. krustallos: from krusos f 

ice. 
CUBE. s. A regular, solid body, having six square and 

equal sides, and all its angles right angles: hence, the 

arithmetical term, cube-root. L. cubus : G. kubos, a 

die, such as that used in gambling. 
CUBIT, s. An ancient measure, equal to the length of 

a man's arm from the elbow to the extremity of the 

fingers; about eighteen inches, L. cubitum: from cu~ 

bitus, an elbow. 
CUI BOJYO. What advantage will result? L. cui, to 

what, bono, good: (dat. of guis and bonus.) 
CUI MALQ, What mischief will result? L. cui, to 

what, malo, evil : (dat. of guis and malus.) 
CULINARY, adj. Relating to a kitchen. L. culina, a 

kitchen. 
CULL. v. To choose. F. cuillir, to gather. 
CULPABLE, adj. Criminal. L. culjiabilisi culpa, a 

fault. 
CULPRIT, s. One accused. L. cul/ta* a fault, 
CULTIVATE. *> To improve. F. cultiver; L. cut* 

turn, sup. of colo, to till. 
CUM MULTIS ALUS. With many other persons, 

or things. L. cum, with, multis, many, aliis, others, 

(abl. pi. of multus and alius.') 
CUPIDITY, s. Unlawful desire. L. cufiiditas; cujiio, to 

desire. 
CURATE, s. A clergyman paid to officiate for a supe- 

rior. L. curator: ,from cura, care. 
CURATOR, s. A superintendent. L. curator; mra y 

care, 



CUR— -CYM 

CURB. v. To restrain. F. courbir, to bend. 

CURE. v. To heal. L. euro; from cura, care. 

CURFEW, s. A signal made in England by the Nor- 
mans, at a certain hour in the evening, when every 
housekeeper must extinguish his light. F. couvri feu, 
cover the fire. 

CURIOUS, s. Inquisitive; worthy of notice. L. curio- 
sus; from cura, care, or concern. 

CURRENT, adj. Passing from one to another; circu- 
lating. L. currens, part, of curro, to run. 

CURRENT, s. A stream— See the adjective. 

CURSORY, adj. Hasty. L. cursorius: cursum, sup. of 
curro, to run. 

CURVE, v. To bend. L. curvo, to bend. 

CURVET, v. To play as a horse. L. curvo, to bend. 

CURVILINEAR, adj. Relating to a curved line. L. 
curvus, bent, and linea, a line. 

CUSTODY, s. Charge; confinement. L. custodial from 
custos, a keeper. 

CUSTOS-ROTULORUM. s. An officer who has the 
custody of the county-records. L. custos, a keeper, 
rotulorum, of the rolls [of written parchment or pa- 
per.] 

CUTANEOUS, adj. Relating to the skin. 'L. cutis, the 
skin. 

CUTICLE, s. The outermost covering of the body; 
that very tender skin which rises in a blister. L. cuti- 
cula, dim. of cutis, the skin. 

CUTLER. 5. One who makes, repairs, or sells knives. 
F. coutelier: L. culter, a knife. 

CYCLE, s. A circle; a revolution of time. G. kuklos^ 
a circle. 

CYCLOID, s. A species of geometrical curve. G. kuk- * 
loeides: kuklos, a circle, and eidos, a shape. 

CYCLOPEDIA, s. A book which treats of all the sci- 
ences. G. kuklos, a circle, and fiaideia, instruction. 

CYGNET, s. A young swan. L. cijcnus, or cygnus, a 
swan. 

CYLINDER, s. A body having two flat surfaces, and 
one circular. L. cylindrus: G. kulindreo, to roll. 

CYMBAL, s. A species of musical instrument. L. cym~ 



CYN— DEC 

balum; from cymba, a cup. G. kumbos, a hollow 
place. 
CYNIC, s. A follower of Diogenes; a disagreeable,, 
snarling fellow. L. cynicus: G. kunikos: from kuon, 
a dog. 



D. 

DACTYLE. 5. A poetical foot, consisting of one long, 
and two short syllables; as numtnc. L. dactylus; G. 
daktulos, a finger: alluding to the joints of a finger. 

DAMN. v. To curse. L. damno, to condemn: from 
damnum, injury. 

DATA. Things given, or premises, as grounds of ar- 
gument. L. data, (part, of do) given. 

DATE. s. Period of time when an action is performed. 
L. datus, p. part, of do, to give, or make. 

DATIVE, adj. A case in grammar, denoting to whom 
given. L. dativus: datus, p. part, of do, to give. 

DAUNT, v. To intimidate. F. domfiter: L. domito, to 
tame. 

DEACON, s. One of a certain order in the church. L. 
diacofius; G. diakoneo, to minister. 

DEAN. s. One of a certain order in the episcopal church. 
F. doyen; L. decanus: from the G. deka, ten; because, 
a dean was originally placed over ten prebendaries. 

DEBAR, v. To prevent. F. de, from, and barre, a bolt 
or bar. 

DEBARK, v. To come on shore. F. debarquer; de, 
from, and barque, a boat. 

DEBASE, v. To degrade; to adulterate. L. de, from, 
and basis, a foundation. 

DEBATE, v. To dispute; to deliberate. F. debatre: L. 
de, concerning, and batuo, to combat. 

DEBENTURE, s. Written evidence of a debt, signed 
on account of a state or public company. F. deben- 
ture: L. debeo, to owe. 

DEBT. s. Something due. L. debitum: from debeo, to 
owe. 

DECADE, s. The sum often. F. decade; G. deka, ten. 



DEC— DEC 

DECADENCE, s. Decline. F. decadence*. L. de, from* 

and cadens, part, of cado, to fall. 
DECALOGUE, s. The Ten Commandments. G. deka- 

logos: deka, ten, and logos, a word. 
DECAMP, -v. To go from the site of a camp ; to de- 
part. F. decamper: de, from, and camp, a camp. 
DECAPITATE, v. To behead. L. decapito; de, from, 

and caput, the head. 
DECAY, v. To become infirm ; to rot. F; dechoir; de, 

from, and choir, to fall. 
DECEASE, s. Death. L. decessus: from decessus, part. 

of decidor, to be cut off or concluded: de, from, and 

c<zdo, to cut. 
DECEIT, s. Fraud; artifice. L. deceptio; from decep- 

tus, p. part, of decipio: de, from, and capio, to take. 
DECEIVE, v. To use deceit. L. decipio.— See DE- 
CEIT. 
DECEMBER, s. The twelfth month ; but, formerly, 

the tenth, when the year began in March. L. Decem- 
ber; from decern, ten. 
DECEMVIRATE. $, The office of the ten governors 

of Rome. L. decemviratus: decern, ten, and viri, men. 
DECENNARY, s. A civil division, comprising, by a 

law of Alfred, ten freeholders and their families. L. 

decern, ten. 
DECENT, adj. Becoming; modest. L. decens, part, of 

deceo, to become. 
DECEPTION, s. The act of deceiving. This word 

conveys a less immoral meaning than deceit; though 

it is derived from the same word. L. deceptio.— See 

DECEIT. 
DECIDE, -v. To conclude; to determine. L. decido: de 9 

from, and cado, to cut. 
DECIDUOUS, adj. Losing the foliage at the end of a 

season. L. deciduus: decido; de, from, and cado, to 

fall. 
DECIMAL, adj. Numbered by ten. L. decimus, the 

tenth: decern, ten. 
DECIMATE, v. To take the tenth part. L. decimo: 

decern, ten. 
DECISIVE, adj. Conclusive; determined, F. decisif. — - 

See DECIDE. 



DEC— DEF 

DECLAIM, v. To speak with energy. L. decla?no: de t 
concerning, and clamo, to call out. 

DECLARE, v. To publish; to assert. L. declare: from 
de, concerning, and claro, to brighten. 

DECLENSION, s. Declination; decay; inflexion of 
nouns. L. declinatio. — See DECLINE. 

DECLINE, v. To bend from; to refuse; to decay. L. 
declino: de, from, and clino, to bend. 

DECLIVITY, s. Inclination, reckoned downwards. L. 
declivitas: de, from, and clivus, sl slope. 

DECOCTION. 5. An extract by boiling. F. decoction; 
L. decoctum; decoquo, to boil for a long time. 

DECOMPOSE, s. To separate; to disturb. L. de, from, 
and compose. 

DECORATE, v. To adorn. L. decoro: decor, beauty. 

DECOROUS, adj. Decent; proper. L. decorus.-—- See 
DECORUM. 

DECORUM, s. Decency; propriety. L. decorum; de- 
cor, decency. 

DECREASE, v. To dimmish. L. decresco; de, signi- 
fying from, or deprivation, and cresco, to grow. 

DECREE, v. To enact; to resolve. L. decretum, sup. 
of decerno: de, concerning, and cerno, to see, or judge. 

DECREPIT, adj. Infirm. L. decrefiitus; from de, and 
crefio, to creak, or jingle. 

DECRETAL, adj. Relating to a decree. F. decretal.— 
See DECREE. 

DEDICATE, v. To assign or devote to a patron; to ap- 
propriate. L. cledico: de, from, and dico, to appoint, j 

DEDUCE, -v. To draw, in a connected series; to infer. 
L. deduco: de, from, and duco, to draw, or bring. 

DEDUCT, ~v. To subtract. L. deductum, sup. of dedu- 
co: de, from, and duco, to draw. 

DEFACE, v. To disfigure; to erase. L. de, from, and 
face. 

DE FACTO. From the fact. L. de, from, facto, abl. of 
factum, a thing done. — See DE JURE. 

DEFAME, v. To injure in character. L. de, from, and 
fame. 

DEFECT, s. Absence of something necessary; imper- 
fection. L. defectus, p. part, of defcio: de, from, and 
facio, to cause or force. 



JDEF— DEJ 

DEFECTION, s. Desertion. L. defectio.— See DE- 
FECT. 

DEFEND, x>. To protect; to vindicate. L. defendo, to 
defend. 

DEFER, v. To delay. L. differo: de, from, and/<?ro, to 
carry. 

DEFERENCE, s. Respect. F. deference: de, from, and 
feroy to carry, or incline : that is, to withdraw to a re- 
spectful distance. 

DEFICIENT, adj. Defective; incomplete. L. dejiciens. 
—See DEFECT. 

DEFINE, v. To explain minutely. L. dejtnio: from de, 
concerning, and Jinis, a boundary. 

DEFINITE, adj. Limited; certain. L. dejinitus. — See 
DEFINE. 

DEFINITION, s. Explanation; description. L. dejini- 
tio.—> See DEFINE. 

DEFLECTION, or DEFLEXION, s. Deviation. L. 
dejlexus, p. part, of dejiecto: de, from, andjlecto, to 
bend. 

DEFLUXION. s. In medical language, the flow of hu- 
mours downwards. L. dejluxio; dejiuxus, part, of de- 
Jiuo: de, from, and Ji uo, to flow. 

DEFRAUD, v. To cheat. L. defraudo: fraus, (gen. 
fraudis) deceit. 

DEGENERATE, v. To become inferior to a progeni- 
tor. L. degenero: de, from, and genus, a race; that is, 
to fall from its own kind. 

DEGRADE, v. To lower in rank ; to disgrace. F. de- 
grader; L. de, from, and gradus, a step, or degree. 

DEGREE, s. Relative situation; rank; measure. F. de- 
gree L. de, from, and gradus, a step, 

DEIFY, v. To invest with the title of a god; to adore 
as a god. F. deifier: L. deus, a god, and Jio, to be 
made. 

DEIST, s. One who believes in God, but not in the 
Christian doctrines. F. deiste; from the L. deus, God, 

DEITY, s. God; also -a heathen god. F. deite; L. deus, 
God, or a god. 

DEJECT, v. To depress in spirits. L. dejectum, sup. 
of dejicio: de, from, and yario, to throw. 

DE JURE. From the law; by law. L. de, from, jure, 

w 



DEL— DEM 

abl. of jus-, right, or law. A king is said to be such 
de facto, when in possession of the throne, however 
obtained; and de jure, when he has the hereditary 
right.— .See DE FACTO. 

DELECTABLE, adj. Delightful. L. delectabilis; de~ 
lecto, to allure. 

DELEGATE, v. To intrust; to appoint. L. delego; de, 
from, and lego, (legare,) to intrust. 

DELETERIOUS, adj. Destructive; poisonous. L. de- 
leterius; deleo, to blot out, or destroy. 

DELICATE, adj. Pleasing; soft; weak. F. delicat; L, 
delicatus; deliciae, delights. 

DELICIOUS, adj. Sweet; pleasant. F. delicieux. — See 
DELICATE. 

DELIGHT, v. To please highly. L. delecto; de, from, 
and lacto, to allure. 

DELINEATE. x\ To sketch; to describe. L. delineo; 
from de, concerning, and linea, a line or boundary. 

DELINQUENT, s. One who commits a breach of trust. 
*L. delinq uens, part, of delinquo, to omit: linquo, to 
forsake. 

DELIQUESCE, v. To become fluid. L. deliquesco; 
deliqueo, to melt. 

DELIVER, v. To release; to relate; to assign. F. de- 
livrer: L. de, from, and libero, to free. 

DELTOID, s. A term applied to a triangular muscle, 
for raising the arm ; delta, (a) a letter of the Greek 
alphabet, and eidos, shape. 

DELUDE, v. To beguile. L. deludo; from de, concern- 
ing, and ludo, to play, or mock. 

DELUGE, s. An immense, overwhelming flood. John- 
son derives this from the L. diluvhun, a flood; though 
without any rational similarity in the orthography, or 
the remotest analogy to the general mode of derivation 
from the Latin. May it not, with more propriety, be 
referred to de, concerning, and lugeo, to grieve ? 

DEMAGOGUE, s. A leader of the rabble. G. dema- 
gogos; from demos, the people, and agogos, a leader 

DEMAND, v. To claim. F. demander; L. de, from, and 
mando, to order. 

DEMISE, s. Death. F. demis, removed; L. demissus, 
p. part, of demitto; de, from, and viitto, to send away. 






DEM— -DEN 

DEMOCRACY, s. Government by the people. G, de- 

mokratia; from demos, the people, and kraleomaiy to 

govern. 
DEMOLISH, v. To throw down; to destroy. L. demo- 

Hor; de, from, and moles, a heap. 
DEMON, s. A spirn, either good or bad; a devil. G. 

daimon, a spirit: daio, to know. 
DEMONSTRATE, v. To prove fully. L. demonstro; 

de, concerning, and monstro, to show. 
DEMUR, v. To object. F. demeurer; L. demoror, to 

hinder. 
DEMURE, adj. Grave; of studied gravity. F. de, of, 

and mcettrs, manners, or behaviour. 
DEMURRAGE, s. Allowance, by a merchant, for the 

detention of a ship beyond the time appointed. — See 

DEMUR. 
DENDROLOGY, s. Natural history of trees. G. den» 

dron, a tree, and logos, a discourse. 
DENOMINATE, v. To distinguish by a name. L. de- 

nomino; de, from, and nomino, to name: nomen, a 

name. 
DENOTE, -v. To signify. L. denoto; de, from, and nolo, 

to mark. 
DENOUEMENT, s. The clearing up of a plot. F. de- 

nouement; from denouer, to untie. 
DENOUNCE, v. To threaten, or accuse, publicly. L. 

denuncio; comp. of de, concerning, and nuntio, to ac- 
quaint. 
DE NOVO. Afresh; over again. L. de, from, and novo, 

abl. of novus, new. 
DENSE, adj. Set closely together; compact. L. den- 

sus; probably from dens, a tooth, or denies, teeth: al- 
luding to the close arrangement of the teeth. 
DENTAL, adj. Relating to the teeth. L. dentis, gen. of 

dens, a tooth. 
DENTATED. adj. Having teeth, or the resemblance 

of teeth. L. dentatus. — See DENTAL. 
DENTIFRICE, s. Toothpowder. L. dens, a tooth, and 

frico, to rub. 
DENTIST, s. A tooth-surgeon.— See DENTAL. 
DENUDATE. v. To strip. L. denudo; de, from, and 

nudo, to strip. 



DEP— DER 

DEPART, v. To go away. L. de, from, and fiartio, to 
divide. 

DEPEND, v. To hang; to be connected; to rely. L. de- 
fiendeo; de, from, and fiendeo, to hang. 

DEPICT, v. To describe. L. defiictum, sup. of defiingo; 
de, from, and fiingo, to paint. 

DEPLETION, s. The act of emptying. L. defiletus, p. 
part, of defileo, to empty. 

DEPLORE, v. To lament. L. defiloro; from de, con- 
cerning, and filoro, to bewail. 

DEPONENT, s. A witness. L. defionens, part, of de- 
fiono; de, concerning, and fiono, to place or allege. 

DEPOPULATE, v. To unpeople. L. defiojiulor; de, 
from, zndfiofiulus, people. 

DEPORTMENT, s. Behaviour. F. defiortement: L. 
fiorto, to carry. 

DEPOSE, v. To remove; to attest. L. defiositum, sup. 
of defiono; de, from, and fiono, to place; or de, con- 
cerning, and/2cmo, to allege. 

DEPOSIT, v. To leave for security, or as a pledge. 
L. defiositum, sup. of defiono, to lay down or intrust; 
e/<?, from, and fiono, to place. 

DEPOT, s, A public store-house. F. defiot.— -See DE- 
POSIT. 

DEPRAVE, t;. To corrupt. L. defiravo: firavus, crook- 
ed, or knavish. 

DEPRECATE, v. To pray against. L. defirecor: de, 
from, and fi re cor, to pray. 

DEPRECIATE, v. To lower in value. L. defiretio: 
comp. of de, from, and fir etio, [its usual] price. 

DEPREDATION, s. Robbery. L. defirccdatio: de, from, 
and firador, to rob. 

DEPRESS, v. To deject. L. defiressum, sup. of defiri- 
mo; de, from, and firemo, to press. 

DEPRIVE, -v. To bereave. L. de, from, and firivo, to 
take away. 

DEPROXIMATE. x>. To recede. L. de, from, and 
firoximus, nearest, 

DEPUTY, s. One acting in the place of another. F. 
definte; L. defiutatus, p. part, of defiuto, comp. of de, 
from, and fiuto, to lop, adjust, or esteem. 

DERELICTION, s. Desertion. L. derelictio; de, from 



"' 



DER-— DES 

and reiectus, p. part, of relego, to go back ; de, con- 
cerning, re, again, and lego, to choose. 

DERIDE, v. To mock or scorn. L. derideo; from de, 
concerning, and rideo f to laugh. 

DERISION, s. Mockery ; scorn. L. derisio; from de- 
risus, p. part, of derideo. — See DERIDE. 

DERIVE, v. Originally meant to turn the course of 
water from its natural channel; but it now means to 
deduce, or receive by transmission. L. derivo; de, from, 
and rivus, a river. 

DERNIERE-RESSORT. Last resource. F. dernier, 
the last, and ressort, a spring or wheel. 

DEROGATE, v. To detract. L. derogo; de, from, and 
rogo, to desire, or borrow. 

DESCANT, v. To narrate minutely. L. dis, separately, 
and canto, to repeat often. 

DESCRIBE, v. To delineate. L. describo; de, concern- 
ing, and scribo, to write. 

DESERT', v. To forsake. L. desertum, sup. of desero: 
de, from, and sero, to spread. 

DES'ERT. s. A wilderness. L. desertus, forsaken. — See 
the verb. 

DESERVE, v. To merit. L. deservio, to be serviceable : 
from servus, a servant. 

DESICCATE, v. To dry. L. desicco, to dry. 

DESIDERATUM, s. Something which inquiry has. 
not yet been able to ascertain or discover; something 
desired, (pL desiderata.) L.. desideratus, p. part, of 
desidero, to desire, 

DESIGN, v. To intend, or invent. L. designo; de, out 
of, and signo, to mark. 

DESIGNATE, v. To distinguish; to name. L. desig- 
nation, sup. of designo. — See DESIGN. 

DESIST, v. To cease. L. desisto; de, from, and sisto, 
to stop. 

DESOLATE, v. To depopulate ; to lay waste. L. deso- 
lo; from de, and solus, alone. 

DESPAIR, v. To be without hope. L. desfiero; de, sig- 
nifying deprivation, and sfiero, to hope. 

DESPERATE, adj. Without hope; rash. L. des/iera- 
?as.— See DESPAIR. 

rs*] 



DES— DET 

DESPICABLE, adj. Contemptible. L. despicabilis; de~ 
sfiicioy to look clown. — See DESPISE. 

DESPISE, v. To contemn; to disrespect. Old F. dc- 
spiser; L. despicio, to look down. 

DESPOIL, v. To plunder. L. desfiolio; de, from, and 
spolio, to plunder. 

DESPOND. X-. To despair. L. despondeo; de, from, 
and spondeo, to promise freely. Desfiondeo signifies 
not only to promise freely, but to despair; exhibiting 
a remarkable instance of perversion in the Latin 
tongue. 

DESPOT, s. An absolute monarch ; a tyrant. G. des- 
potes, a ruler, or the possessor of another's estate. 

DESTINE, v. To doom; to design. L. destino, to bind 
fast together, fix, or appoint. 

DESTITUTE, adj. Friendless; in want. L. destitutes, 
p. part, of destituoj from de, without, and statuor, to 
be placed. 

DESTROY, -v. To lay waste; to consume. L. destruo; 
de, from, and struo, to build'. 

-DESTRUCTIVE, adj. Causing destruction. L. destruc- 
tions; from destructus, p. part, of destruo. — See DE- 
STROY. 

DESULTORY, adj. Roving from place to place; in- 
constant; immethodical. L. desultorius: desultum, 
sup. of desilio; de, from, and salio, to leap. 

DETACH, v. To separate; to send away. F. detacher; 
L„ de, from, and tactum, sup. of tango, to touch. 

DETAIL, v. To relate minutely. F. detainer, to cut 
into pieces. 

DETAIN. x'.To restrain; to hold. L. detineo; de, from, 
and teneo, to hold. 

DETECT, v. To discover. L. dctectum, sup. of detego., 
to uncover. 

DETENTION, s. The act of detaining. L. detention 
See DETAIN. 

DETER, v. To intimidate. L, deterreo; de, from* and 
terreo, to affright. 

DETERGENT, adj. Cleansing. L. detergens, part, of 
detergo; de, from, and tergo, to wipe. 

DETERMINE, x-. To conclude ; to resolve. L. deter- 
inmo; de, concerning, and terinino, to bound, or finish; 



DET— DEV 

DETERSIVE, adj. Cleansing. F. detersfc-r- See DE- 
TERGENT. 
DETEST, v. To abhor. L. detestor; de, from, and ter- 

tor, to attest. 
DETHRONE, v. To deprive of regal power. L. de, from, 

and throne. 
DETONATE, v. To make a loud noise, by explosion. 

L. detono: comp. of de, from, and tono, to thunder. 
DETORT. v. To wrest from the original meaning or 

design. L. detortum, sup. of detorqueo; de, from, and 

torqueo, to twist. 
DETRACT, v. To take away; to derogate. L. detrac- 

tum, sup. of detraho; de, from, and traho, to draw. - 
DETRIMENT, s. Loss ; damage. L. detrimentum ; 

from detero, to bruise or beat out; de, from, and tero, 

to rub. 
DETRUDE, tk To thrust out; to thrust down. L. de- 

irudo: de; from, and trudo, to thrust. 
DETRUNCATE, v. To lop off. L. detrunco; de, from, 

and trunco, to cut. 
DETRUSION. s. The act of detruding. L. detrusio; 

from detrusus, p. part, of detrudo. — See DETRUDE. 
DEUCE, s. Two. F. deux; L. duo, two. 
DEUTERONOMY, s. The second book of the law; 

fifth book of Moses. G. deuteros, the second, and no- 

mos, a law. 
DEVASTATE, v. To lay waste. L. devasto; vastus, 

waste. 
DEVELOP, ir. To make known ; to explain. F. develo- 
per: L. de, from, and velum, a veif. 
DEVEST, or DIVEST, v. To strip; (with of.) F. g*. 

vester; L. f/c, from, and vestis, a garment. 
DEVIATE, v. To go out of the usual way; to err. L, 

de, from, and via, a way. 
DEVICE, s. A stratagem; a design; an emblem. F. de- 

vise; L. de, from, and visas, the sight. 
DEVIOUS, adj. Out of the usuaL track; erring. L. .de- 

vius.—See DEVIATE. 
DEVISE, v. To contrive. F. deviser.— »£ee DEVICE. 
DEVOLUTION, s. Act of devolving. L. devolution 

devolutusy p. part, of devolve, — See DEVOLVE, 



DEV— DIA 

DEVOLVE, v. To roll from; to pass from. L. devolvo; 

de, from, and volvo, to roll. 
DEVOTE, v. To dedicate; to appropriate; to consign. 

L. devotum, sup. of devoveo, to vow. 
DEVOUR, v. To eat ravenously. L. devoro, to devour. 
DEVOUT, adj. Religious. L. devotus. — —See DE- 
VOTE. 
DEXTEROUS, adj. Expert. L. dexter; from dextra, 
- the right hand. 
DEXTRAL. adj. Relating to the right. L. dextra, the 

right hand. 
DIABETES, s. A morbid copiousness of urine. G. dia- 

baites; G. dia, through, and baino, to go. 
DIABOLICAL, adj. Atrocious. L. diabolicus; diabo- 

lus, the devil. 
DIACHYLUM, s. A medical preparation, composed of 

juices. G. dia, through, and chulon, juice. 
DIADEM, s. A royal crown. L. diadema; JGr. diadema; 

dia, around, and deo, to bind. 
DIAERESIS, s. The disjunction of syllables; ('") as, in 

coojierate; G. diairesis; from dia, through, and aireo, 

to cut. 
DIAGONAL, adj. Reaching from one corner or angle 

to another, so as to divide a parallelogram into two 

equal parts. G. diagoniosj dia, through, and gonia, a 

corner. 
DIAGRAM, s. Delineation of a geometrical figure. G. 

diagramma; dia, through, and gramma, a letter, or 

thing written. 
DIAL. .9. A plate marked with the hours. L. dies, a day. 
DIALECT, s. The subdivision of a language, as the 

Attic or Doric forms of the Greek; a mode of speech 

which a people have chosen or adopted; language in 

general. G. dialektos; dia, through, and lego, to 

choose. 
DIALECTICS, s. The science of dialects; logic. — See 

DIALECT. 
DIALEIPSIS. s. The cavity or space formed by a 

wound. G. dia, between, and leifio, to leave. 
DIALOGUE, s. Conversation between two or more 

persons. G. dialogos; fr,om dia, between, and logos r a 

discourse. 



DIA—DIG 

DIAMETER, s. A line which divides the area of a cir- 
cle into two equal parts. G. dia, through, and metreo, 

to measure. 
DIAMETRICAL, adj. Describing a diameter; crossing 

in the manner of a diameter, and hence denoting divi- 
sion or opposition. — -See DIAMETER. 
DIAPASON, s. A musical chord which includes all 

the tones. G. dia, through, and pas, all. 
DIAPHRAGM. *. The midriff which divides the up- 
per cavity of the body from the lower. G. diajihragma; 

dia, through, and phragma, a fence. 
DIARRHCEA. s. A flux of the body. L. diarrhoea; 

G. diarrhoie; comp. of dia, from, and rheo, to flow. 
DIARRHCETIC. adj. Purgative.— See DIARRHCEA. 
DIARY, s. A daily register. L. diarium; from dies, a 

day. 
DICTATE, v. To speak as one having authority; to 

direct. L. frequentative v. dicto, to speak often: dico, 

to speak. 
DICTION, s. Style; language. F. diction; L. divtio; 

dico, to speak. 
DICTIONARY, s. A book containing the form and 

explanation of words. — See DICTION. 
DIDACTIC, or DIDACTICAL, adj. Instructive. G. 

didaktikos; didasko, to teach. 
DIES JYOJY. A day on which no legal proceedings can 

take place, or on which public offices are shut. L. dies, 

a day, and non, not. 
DIFFER, v. To disagree. L. dijfero; dis, asunder, and 

fero, to carry. 
DIFFICULTY, s. Trouble; opposition. L. difficultas; 

from difficilis; dis, meaning deprivation, and facilis, 

easy. 
DIFFIDENT, adj. Distrustful. L. diffidens, part, of 

dijfido; dis, without, andjides, faith. 
DIFFUSE, v. To spread. L. diffusum, sup. of diffundo; 

dis, asunder, and J undo, to pour out. 
DIGEST, v. To arrange; to dissolve, as in the stomach. 

L. digestum, sup. of digero, to divide: di, asunder, 

and gero, to carry. 
DIGIT. s. Three-fourths of an inch. L. digitus, a finger, 

or finger's breadth, 



DIG— DIP 

DIGNIFY, v. To exalt; to honour. L. digitus, honour- 
able, andj£o, to be made. 
DIGNITARY, s. A clergyman of high rank. F. digni- 

taire: L. dignitas, dignity: from digitus, worthy, or 

honourable. 
DIGRESS, v. To turn aside. L. digressus, part, of di- 

gredio?\- dis, from, and gradus, a step. 
DILACERATE. v. To rend. L. dilacero: dis, asunder, 

and lacero, to tear. 
DILATE, v. To extend; to enlarge. L. dilato: dis, asun- 
der, and latum, sup. of fero, to carry. 
DILATORY, adj. Slow". L. dilatarius. See DI- 
LATE. 
DILEMMA, s. An argument equally conclusive by 

contrary suppositions; a difficult choice. G. dilemma: 

dis, double, and lemma, an argument. 
DILUCIDATE. x». To make clear. L. dilucido; from 

di, signifying through, and lucidus, bright: lucis, gen. 

of lux, light. 
DILUTE, -v. To make thin. L. dilutum, sup. of diluo } 

to temper, or mix. 
DIME. s. A coin of the United States of America, in 

value the tenth of a dollar. Derived, through the F. 

from L. decimus, a tenth. 
DIMENSION, s. Extent. L. dimensio: dimensus, part, 

of dimetior, to measure. 
DIMINISH, -v. To lessen. L. diminuo: minor, less. 
DIOCESE, s. The circuit of a bishop's jurisdiction. G. 

dia, through, and oikesis, a habitation. 
DIOPTRIC, adj. Affording a medium for the sight; 

assisting the sight in viewing distant objects. G. dia, 

through, and optomai, to view. 
DIPHTHONG, s. A coalition of two vowels in one 

sound. G. diphthongos; dis, twice, and phthongos, a 

sound. 
DIPLOMA. 5. A certificate, conferring some privilege, 

G. diploma: from diplo~o, to fold. 
DIPLOMATIC, adj. Privileged; relating to the office 

of an ambassador. F. diplomatique. — See DIPLOMA. 
DIPLOMATIQUE, adj. Relating to the office of an 

ambassador. F.— See DIPLOMATIC. 



DIP— DIS 

DIPTOTE. s. A noun having only two cases. G. difi- 
tota; dis, twice, and /itosis, a case. 

DIRECT, adj. Straight; immediate; express. L. direc- 
tus, p. part, of dii-igo: di, signifying through, and re- 
go, to guide. 

DIRUPTION. s. Act of rending. L. diruptio: dirufi- 
tus, p. part, of dirumfioj from dis, or di, asunder, and 
rumfio, to break. 

DISABLE, v. To deprive of ability. L. dis, signifying 
deprivation, and able. 

DISBURSE, v. To pay; to expend. L. dis, from, and 
bursa, a purse. 

DISASTER, s. Originally meant the supposed blast or 
stroke of an unfavourable planet; it now denotes mis- 
fortune. F. disastre: L. dis, signifying separation, and 
astrum, a star. 

DISCERN. ~u. To distinguish. L. discerno; dis, asun- 
der, and cerno, to perceive. 

DISCIPLE, s. A scholar; a follower. L. disci/itilusj from 
disco, to learn. 

DISCIPLINE, s. Rule; mode. L. disci/ilina. See 

DISCIPLE. 

DISCLAIM, v. To disown; to disavow. L. dis, mean- 
ing separation, and claim. 

DISCONSOLATE, adj. Comfortless; sorrowful. L. dis, 
meaning deprivation, and consolatus, part, of consolor, 
to comfort. 

DISCORD, s. Disagreement. L. discordia; dis, asun- 
der, and corda, (pi. of cor,) hearts. 

DISCOURSE, s. Conversation. F. discours; from the 
L. discursus, a running backward and forward : dis- 
curso; dis, from, and curro, to run. 

DISCOVER, y. To find out; to make known. L. dis, 
from, and cover. 

DISCREET, adj. Prudent; modest. F. discret. — See 
DISCRETION. 

DISCRETION, s. Prudence; unconditional power. L. 
discretio; discretus, p. part, of discerno See DIS- 
CERN. 

DISCRETIVE. adj. In logic and grammar, denotes 
disjunction, or opposition. L. discretus, severed, p. 
part, of discerno. — See DISCERN, 



DIS— DIS 

DISCRIMINATE, v. To distinguish. This word, in 
accordance with its derivation, should refer to the dis- 
tinguishing of degrees of crime. L. discrimino; dis, 
asunder, and crimen, a fault. 

DISCURSIVE, adj. Desultory. L. rfwcurso.-— See DIS- 
COURSE. 

DISCUSS, v. To examine; to argue. L. discussum, sup. 
of discutio, to shake into pieces. 

DISDAIN, v. To scorn. L. dis, not, and F. daigner, to 
condescend. 

DISEASE, s. Distemper. L. dis, meaning deprivation, 
and ease. 

DISFRANCHISE, v. To deprive of a civil privilege. 
L. dis, denoting deprivation, and franchise. 

DISGORGE, v. To discharge through the mouth. L. 
dis, from, and F. gorge, the throat. 

DISGUISE, v. To conceal, by a counterfeit appear- 
-ance. L. dis, denoting deprivation, and F. guise, man- 
ner. 

DISGUST, s. Aversion. L. dis, from, and gustus, the 
taste. 

DISHABILLE, s. Undress. F. deshabille; L. dis, not, 
and F. habille, dressed. 

DISHEVEL, -v. To spread [the hair.] F. decheveler; 
L. dis, asunder, and F.-cheveu, hair. 

DISINGENUOUS, a dp Uncandid ; unfair. L. efts, mean- 
ing deprivation, and ingenuous. 

DISJUNCTIVE, adj. Denoting separation, or opposi- 
tion. L. disjunctivus; disjungo, to separate. 

DISLOCATE, v. To put out of the proper place; to 
disjoint. L. dis, asunder, and loco, to place. 

DISMISS, -v. To send away. L. dis, from, and missum, 
sup. of mitto, to send. 

DISPARITY, s. Inequality; unlikeness. F. disfiarite; 
L. disfiar, unlike: comp. of dis, denoting separation, 
and fiar, equal. 

DISPEL, v. To drive away, by scattering; to dissipate. 
L. disfiello; dis, asunder, and fiello, to drive. 

DISPENSARY, s. A place from which medicines are 
given. F. dis/iensaire. — See DISPENSE. 

DISPENSE, v. To distribute, (to dispense with, to ex- 



DIS— DIS 

cuse) F. disfienser; L. dis, asunder, and /tens um, sup. 

of fiendo, to weigh. 
DISPENSATORY, s. A pharmacopoeia, or book in 

which the composition of medicines is described and 

directed.— -See DISPENSE. 
DISPERSE, v. To scatter. L. disfiersum, sup. of dis- 

per go: dis, asunder, and sfiargo, to scatter. 
DISPOSE, v. To distribute; to arrange; to incline. F. 

disposer: L. dis, asunder, and fiositum, sup. of Jiono, 

to place. 
DISRUPTION, s. Act of rending. L. disrufitio.—See 

DIRUPTION; a word which is more elegant than 

disruption. 
DISSECT, v. To cut into parts. L. dissectum, sup. of 

disseco: dis, asunder, and seco, to cut. 
DISSEMBLE, v. To hide under a fictitious appearance. 

Old F. dissembler; L. dissimulo: comp. of dis, noting 

deprivation, and similis, like. 
DISSEMINATE, v. To spread. L. dissemino: dis, 

asunder, and semino, to sow : semen, seed. 
DISSENT, v. To disagree in opinion. L. dissentio: 

from dis, asunder, and sentio, to think. 
DISSERTATION, s. A disquisition; a treatise. L. dis- 

sertatio: from the frequentative v. disserto, to argue. 
DISSIMULATION, si Act of dissembling. L. dissimu- 

latio.—See DISSEMBLE. 
DISSIPATE, v. To disperse; to squander. L. dissi/io, 

to scatter. 
DISSOLUTE, adj. Unrestrained; wanton. L. dissolu- 

tus, p. part, of dissolvo. — See DISSOLVE. 
DISSOLUTION, s. Separation; death. L. dissolutio.— 

See DISSOLVE. 
DISSOLVE, v. To unbind; to melt. L. dissolvo: dis, 

asunder, and solvo, to untie. 
DISSONANT, adj. Discordant. L. dissonans, part, of 

dissono: from dis, noting opposition, and sono, to 

sound. 
DISSUADE, v. To advise against. L. dissuadeo: dis, 

from, and suadeo, to persuade. 
DISSYLLABLE, s. A word of two syllables. G. dis, 

twofold, and syllable. 
DISTANCE, s. Intervening space; remoteness; respect; 

P3 



DIS— DIV 

reserve. F. distans: L. distantia; from dis, asunder, 

and stans, part, of sto, to stand. 
DISTEND, v. To stretch out in breadth. L. distendo: 

dis, asunder, and tendo, to spread. 
DISTICH, s. A couplet. L. distichon: G. dis, twofold, 

and stikos, a verse. 
DISTIL, v. To fall in drops; to make spirituous li- 
quors. L. distillo: dis, asunder, and stillo, to drop. 
DISTINCT, adj. Separate; articulate. L. distinctus, 

p. part, of distinguo.—See DISTINGUISH. 
DISTINGUISH, v. To mark; to see objects sepa- 

parately. L. distinguo: from dis, separately, and tingo, 

to dye or colour. 
DISTORT, v. To writhe; to deform. L. distortum, 

sup. of distorqueo: dis, from, and torqueo, to twist. 
DISTRACT, v. To divide; to perplex; to make insane. 

L. distr actum, sup. of distraho: comp. of dis, asun- 
der, and traho, to draw. 
DISTRAIN, v. To seize legally. L. distringo, to bind 

fast. 
DISTRESS, s. Legal seizure; misery. F. distresse: L. 

districtus, p. part, of distringo. — See DISTRAIN. 
DISTRIBUTE, -v. To divide amongst more than two. 

L. distribuo: dis, asunder, and tribuo, to bestow. 
DISTRICT, s. Circuit of authority; province; division. 

L. districtus, p. part, of distringo, to bind. 
DISTURB, s. To disquiet. L. disturbo: dis, separately, 

and turbo, to disorder: turba, a crowd. 
DIURETIC, adj. Promoting urine. F. diuretique: G. 

diouretikos: comp. of dia, from, and oureo, to make 

water. 
DIURNAL, adj. Daily. L. diurnus; from dies, a day. 
DIVERGE. ~u. To tend various ways from one point. L. 

divergo: di, from, and vergo, to decline, or bend. 
DI'VERS.— See DIVERSE. 
DIVERSE', adj. Different; in various directions. L. di- 

■versus, p. part, of diverto: di, asunder, and verto, to 

turn. 
DIVERT, v. To turn aside; to amuse. L. diverto: 

comp. of di, from, and -verto, to turn. 
DIVEST. X-.— See DEVEST; which is more conform- 
able with the derivation, and more generally used. 



DIV— -DOM 

DIVIDE, v. To separate; to give in shares. L. dividuo: 
comp. of di, asunder, and an Etrurian verb, iduo, to 
separate. 

DIVIDE ET IMPERA. Divide and govern:— the 
maxim of nearly all monarchal governments. L. di- 
vide, (imperative of divido,*) divide, et, and, imftera, 
(imperative of imfiero,) govern. 

DIVIDEND, s. In arithmetic, the number to be divided ; 
a share ascerti*ined by division. L. dividendus, to be 
divided: part, of divido. 

DIVINE, adj. Heavenly. L. divinu&: divi, the gods. 

DIVINE, v.. To foretel, as by divine inspiration. — See 
the adjective. 

DIVISION, s. The act of dividing; partition; dis- 
union. L. divhio: divisus, p. part, of divido. — See 
DIVIDE. 

DIVORCE, s. Legal separation of husband and wife. 
F. divorce: L. divorsus, p. part, of divorto, (synony- 
mous with diverto,) to turn away. 

DIVULGE, v. To reveal. L. divulgo: di, meaning 
amongst, and valgus , the common people. 

DOCILE, adj. Tractable. F. docile: L. docilis; doceo, 
to teach. 

DOCTOR, s. One who has received a collegiate diplo- 
ma for his skill in divinity, law, physic, &c. L. doctor, 
a teacher; from doceo, to teach. 

DOCTRINE, s. That which is taught. L. doctrina. — 
See DOCTOR. 

DOCUMENT, s. Written evidence, or means of infor- 
mation. L. documentum: from doceo, to teach. 

DOGMA, s. Established principle; doctrinal notion. G. 

dogma, a command. 
DOGMATICAL, adj. Authoritative.— See DOGMA. 
DOLEFUL, adj. Sorrowful. L. doleo, to grieve. 
DOLOROUS, adj. Sorrowful; gloomy. L. dolor, pain, 

or sorrow. 
DOMAIN, s. Dominion; estate; demesne. F. domaine; 
L. dominium: from dominus, a master; domus, a 
house. 
DOME. s. A house; a large cupola. F. dome: L. domus, 
a house. 




DOM— DRA 

DOMESTIC, adj. Relating to home. L. domesticus; 

domus, a house. 

DOMICILIARY, adj. A domiciliary visit is an intru- 
sion, by governmental authority, into a dwelling 
house. F. domicile, a habitation: domus, a house. 

DOMINANT, adj. Predominant; ascendant. F. domi- 
nant, part, of dominer. — See DOMINEER. 

DOMINEER. ~v. To rule, or command with insolence. 
F. dominer: L. dominor, to govern: do-minus, a mas- 
ter; doinus, a house. 

DOMINICAL, adj. That which marks Sunday. L. do- 
minicalis; Dominus, the Lord. 

DOMINION, s. Sovereign power; territory. L. domi- 
nium: dominus, a master. 

DONATION, s. A gift. L. donatio: dono, to give. 

DONOR, s. A giver. L. dono, to give. 

DORMANT, adj. Sleeping; inoperative; concealed. F. 
dormant, part, of dormir, to sleep : L. dormio, to sleep. 

DORMITIVE. adj. Promoting sleep. F. dormitif: L. 
dormio, to sleep. 

DORMITORY, s. Sleeping-room. L. dormitorium: dor- 
mio, to sleep. 

DORMOUSE. 5. A mouse which sleeps during part 
of winter. L. dormio, to sleep, and mouse. 

DOSE. s. A prescribed quantity. F. dose: G. dosis, an 
allowance. 

DOSOLOGY. s. A treatise on the quantity of medicine 
to be taken at one time. G. dosis, a dose, and logos, a 
discourse. , 

DOUBLE EjYTEA'DRE. s. An obscene allusion in 
disguise. F. double, double, and entendre, to under- 
stand. 

DOUCEUR, s. A bribe; compensation. F. douceur, 
sw r eetness. 

DOWER. s. A wife's marriage-portion, or a widow's 
possession. F. douaire: douer, to bestow. 

DOXOLOGY. s. A form of glorifying God. G. doxa, 
glory, and logos, a word. 

DRAMA, s. A theatrical representation. G. drama: 
drao, to act. 

DRAPER, s. One who sells cloth, F, drapier; from 
draft, cloth. 



DRA— DUR 

DRAPERY, s. Cloth; ornamental part of curtains; imi- 
tation of dress by a painter or statuary. F. drafierie: 
draft, cloth. 

DROPSY, s. A collection of water in the body. L. hy~ 
drofts: G. hudor, water, and ofts, an appearance. 

DRUID, s. One of the priests who worshiped in groves; 
called, by Caesar, druides; supposed from the G. dru$ f 
an oak. 

DRYADS, s. Wood-nymphs. L. dryades; G. druades: 
from drus, an oak. 

DUBIOUS, adj. Doubtful; uncertain. L. dubius: from 
dubium, a doubt: duo, two. 

DUCTILE, adj. Flexible; easily extended. L. ductilis; 
from duco, to draw. 

DUEL. s. A combat between two persons. F. duel: L. 
due Hum: duo, two. 

DULCET, adj. Sweet; harmonious. L. dulcis, sweet. 

DULCIMER, s. A musical instrument. L. dulcis, 
sweet. 

DUODECIMO, s, A book formed by folding a sheet of 
paper into twelve leaves. (12mo.) L. duodecimus, the 
twelfth. 

DUPLICATE, s. A copy, generally the first. L. dtifili- 
catus, p. part, duftlico, to double. 

DUPLICITY, s. Deceit by using two appearances. F. 
duftlicite; L. duftlicis, gen. of duplex, double: duo, 
two, and ftlico, to fold. 

DURABLE, adj. Lasting. L. durabilis; duro, to con- 
tinue. 

DURANCE, s. Imprisonment. L. durans, part, of duro, 
to remain. 

DURANTE BENE PLACITO. At the will of the 
person granting; — literally, "our decree, or pleasure 
• happily continuing." L. 

DURING, ftreft. For the time of the continuance of. 
L. duro, to continue. During is often improperly 
used: it it ungrammatical to say, that an event oc- 
curred « during the war," or " during his confine- 
ment," because the term during includes the whole 
period of the war, or the whole period of the con- 
finement, and an event happens in only a ftart of that 
period. 



DYN— ECS 

DYNASTY, s. Sovereignty F. dynastie; G. dunas.teia; 
from dunastes, a ruler. 

DYSENTERY, s. A disorder of the bowels. L. dysen- 
teric*; G. dusenteria; dus, with difficulty, and enteron, 
a bowel. 

DYSPEPSIA, or DYSPEPSY. s . Imperfect digestion. 
G. duspefisia; dus, with difficulty, and fiefito, to di- 
gest. 



EBRIETY. s. Drunkenness. L. ebrietas, drunkenness. 

EBULLITION, s. Act of boiling up with heat; effer- 
vescence. F. ebullition; L. ebullio, to boil, or bubble 
up: e, from, and bulla, a bubble. 

ECCE HOMO. Behold the man. L. ecce, Lo! homo, 
the man. 

ECCENTRIC, adj. Deviating from the centre; irregu- 
lar; uncommon. L. eccentricus; ex, from, and cen- 
trum, a centre. 

ECCLESIASTICAL, adj. Relating to the church. L. 
ecclesiasticus; G. ekklesia, the church. 

ECCE SIGJYUM. Behold the sign, or mark. L. ecce> 
Lo ! signum, the sign. 

ECLAIRCISSEMENT, or ECLAIRISSEMEjYT. s. 
Explanation. F. eclair cissement: eclaircir, to clear; 
eclair er, to give light. 

ECLAT, s. Publicity; lustre. F. eclat, a crack. 

ECLECTIC, adj. Selecting. G. eklektikos: ek, out of ? 
and lektos, chosen; from lego, to choose. 

ECLIPSE, s. The obscuring of a heavenly luminary by 
interposition. G. ekleifisis: ekleifio, to desert. 

ECLIPTIC, s. A great circle of the sphere, supposed 
to run through the middle of the zodiac, making an 
angle with the equinoctial of about 23§ degrees ; 
which is the sun's greatest declination, and in which 
his eclipses happen. G. ekleiptikos. — See ECLIPSE. 

ECONOMY, s. Management; frugality. G. oikonomiat 
oikos,& house, and nomos, a law. 

ECSTASY, or EXTASY. s. Rapture. G. ekstasis: from 
ek, out, and stasis, standing. 



EDI— EFF 

EDIBLE, adj. Proper to be eaten. L. edo, to eat. 

EDICT, s. A command; a law. L. edictum: e, from, and 
dico, to say. 

EDIFICE, s. A structure. L. cedificium: <sdis, a build- 
ing, and facio, to make. 

EDITION, s. Publication; meaning, the whole number 
of copies of a book printed from one arrangement of 
the types. L. editio: edo^ to publish; e, from, and do y 
to give. 

EDITOR, s. Publisher; one who superintends a publi- 
cation. L. editor: edo, to publish. 

EDUCATE, v. To instruct. L. educo: e, out of (mean- 
ing forward) and duco, to lead. 

EFFACE, -v. To erase.. F. effacer: L. e, from, and fa- 
cieS) a face. 

EFFECT, s. Consequence; success; design; reality. 
L. efflectus, p. part, of efficio: c, from, and facio^ to 
make. 

EFFEMINATE, adj. Unmanlike; womanish. L. effemi- 
natus: femina^ a woman. 

EFFERVESCE, v. To boil gently; to bubble. L. ef- 
fervesco, to ferment; from ferveo, to be hot. 

EFFICACIOUS, adj. Remedial. L. efficax.— See EF- 
FECT. 

EFFICIENT, adj. Producing an effect. L. efflciens. — . 
See EFFECT. 

EFFIGY, s. An image. L. effigies: from effingo, to 
fashion. 

EFFLORESCENT, adj. Shooting out in the form of 
flowers. L. efflorescens; part, of effloresco: Jioris^ gen, 
ofjlos, a flower. 

EFFLUVIA, s. Ascending particles; smell. L. pi. of 
effluvium; from effluo. — See EFFLUX. 

EFFLUX, s. Act of flowing out; thing which flows out, 
L. effluxus, p. part, of effluo ; comp. of e, from, and 
Jluo, to flow. 

EFFORT, s. Laborious endeavour. F. effort; L. fors y 
strength. 

EFFULGENT, adj. Shining; luminous. L. efflulgens t 
part, of effulgeo; e, out of, axidfulgeo, to shine. 

EFFUSION, s. Act of pouring out. L. effusio; effusus? 
p. part, of effundo; e, from, and fundo^ to pour. 



EGO—ELL 

EGOTIST. s. One who talks much concerning himself, 

L. ego, I. 
EGREGIOUS, adj. Remarkable; eminently bad: the 

latter is the usual sense. L. egregiusj e, out of, and 

grege, abl. of greoc, a flock, or multitude. 
EGRESS, s. Departure; means of departure. L. egres- 

sus, part, of egredior; e, from, and gradior, to pro- 
ceed: gradus, a step, 
EJACULATE, v. To utter suddenly. L. ejacalor; e, 

from, and jaculor, to dart: jacio, to throw. 
EJECT, v. To throw out; to expel. L. ejectum, sup. of 

ejicio; e, from, and jacio, to throw, 
ELABORATE, adj. Finished with great diligence. L. 

elaboratus, p. part, of elaboro, to labour: e, from, and 

labor, labour. 
ELAPSE, v. To pass away. L. elafisus, part, of e labors 

e, from, and labor, to glide. 
ELASTIC, adj. Having the power of a spring. F. elas- 

tique; G. elao, to repel. 
ELATE, adj. Elevated by success. L. elatus, p. part, of 

effero; ex, from, and fero, to carry-. 
ELECT, -v. To choose. L. electum, sup. of eligo; e, 

from, and lego, to choose. 
ELECTRIC, adj. Relating to electricity. L. electrum, 

amber, (which is attractive;) O^elko, to draw. 
ELEEMOSYNARY, adj. Given through charity. G. 

eleemosune; eleos, compassion. 
ELEGANT, adj. Pleasing; handsome. L. ekgans; 

comp. of e, from, and lego, to choose. 
ELEGY, s. A funeral song, L. elegeiaj G. elegos; from 

eleos, pity. 
ELEVATE, v. To raise; to enliven, L. elevo: e, from, 

and levo, to lift. 
ELE'VE. s. Disciple. F, eleve; elever, to raise.' — See 

ELEVATE, 
ELICIT, -v. To strike out. L. elicio, to draw, or strike 

out. 
ELIGIBLE, adj. Desirable. L. eligibilis; e, from, and 

lego, to choose. 
ELISION, s. The act of cutting out; as in ivalk*d, for 

walked. L. elisio; elisus, p. part, of elido, to strike out,. 
ELLIPSIS, s. A figure of rhetoric, by which something; 



ELL— EME 

is left out ; in geometry, an -oval figure, generated from 

the section of a cone : G. elleifisis; en, in, and leifio, 

to fail. 
ELLIPTIC, or ELLIPTICAL, adj. Not completely 

round; oval. — See ELLIPSIS. 
ELOCUTION. s. Art of speaking with elegance and 

force. L. elocutio; e, out, and loquor, to speak. 
ELOQUENT, adj. Having the power of fluent, ele- 
gant, and convincing language. L. eloquens. — See 

ELOCUTION. 
ELUCIDATE, y. To explain. L. elucido: e, from, and 

luceo, to give light: lux, light. 
ELUDE, v. To avoid j to escape. L. eludo: e-, &»*», 

and tua~o, to play, or mock. 
EMACIATED, adj. Wasted; lean. L. emacio, to make 

lean: macies, leanness. 
EMANCIPATE, v. To set free. L. emancifio: e, from, 

and mancifio, to give away. 
EMBARK, v. To go on shipboard; to adventure. F. 

embarquer: en, into, and barque, a large boat. 
EMBASSY, s. A public message. F. ambassade. — See 

AMBASSADOR. 
EMBELLISH, v. To adorn. F. embellir: en, into, and 

belle, handsome. 
EMBLEM, s. A distinguishing sign. G. emblema, a 

kind of insertion work, — alluding to the embroidery 

of a standard, or coat of arms. 
EMBOSS. v\ To embroider; to engrave with relief. F. 

en, into, and bosse, a protuberance. 
EMBRACE, v. To fold in the arms; to include. F. em- 

brasser: from en, in, and bras, an arm. 
EMBRYO, s. The incipient formation in the womb: 

(foetus, signifies the child in the womb, after it is per- 
fectly formed.) G. embruyon: en, in, and bruo, to 

grow. 
EMENDATION, s. Correction. L. emendatio: e, from, 

and menda, a fault. 
I EMERGE, v. To issue. L. emergo: comp. of e, from, 

and margo, a brink. 
EMERGENCE, or EMERGENCY, s. Sudden occa- 



EME— ENC 

EMETIC, adj. Of a vomiting quality. F. emetique: G. 
emeo, to vomit. 

EMIGRATE, v. To change the place of abode. L! emi- 
gro: e, from, and migro, to remove. 

EMINENCE, s. Height; a high place; dignity. L. emi- 
nens, part, of emineo, to stand above others : e, from, 
and minuo, to lessen; meaning, the apparent diminu- 
tion of objects. 

EMINENT, adj. High; conspicuous. See EMI- 
NENCE. 

EMISSARY, s. One sent out on secret business; a 
spy. L. emissarius: from emissus, p. part, of emitto? 
comp. of p, from, and mittos to send. 

EMIT. -v. To issue. L. emitto, e, from, and mitto, to 
send. 

EMOLLIENT, adj. Softening. L. emolliensj mollis, 
soft. 

EMOLUMENT, s. Profit. L. emolumentum; comp. of 
e, from, and molimentum, an enterprise : molior, to 
toil. 

EMPEROR, s. A monarch, generally supposed to reign 
over many countries. F. emfiereur; L. imfierator, 
meaning originally a commander or ruler: from imjie- 
ro, to rule. 

EMPIRE, s. Government; territory governed. F. em- 
fiire.—See EMPEROR. 

EMPIRIC, s. A quack; F. emfiirique; G. empeirikos; 
en, in, and peira, an experiment. 

EMPORIUM, s. A place of merchandise; a commer- 
cial city. G. emfiorion; emfioros, a merchant. 

EMPYREAN, s. The highest heaven. G. empuvos; en, 
in, and pur, fire. 

EMPYREUM. s. The disagreeable burned taste and 
smell, which sometimes remains after boiling or distil- 
lation. G. empureuma; en, in, and pur, fire. 

EMULATE. ~u. To rival. L. cemulor, to rival. 

ENAMEL, -v. To inlay. F. emailler; from maille, 
speckled. 

ENAMOUR, v. To inflame with love. F. en, into, and 
amour, love: L. in and amor. 

ENCLITICS, s. Particles which are closely united with 
other words, and throw back the accent upon the 



ENC— ENF 

foregoing syllable. G. enklitika; en, in, or upon, and 

klino, to recline. 
ENCLOSE, v. To envelop; to surround. F. enclos, 

part, of enclorre, to enclose. — See INCLOSE. 
ENCOMIUM, s. Praise. G. enkomion; from komazo, 

to celebrate in song. 
ENCORE. Again. F. 
ENCOUNTER, s. Conflict. F. encontre; L. contra, 

against. 
ENCROACH, v. To invade another's right; to pass 

bounds. F. accrocher, to catch : croc, a hook. 
ENCUMBER, v. F. encombrer.—See INCUMBER. 
ENCYCLOPAEDIA, s. The circle of sciences ; a work 

containing information on every science. G. enkuk- 

lofiaideia.—See CYCLOPAEDIA. 
ENDEMIC, adj. Relating to a disease which is natural 

to a country. G. endemos; en, in, and demos, the peo- 
ple. 
ENDORSE, v. To write on the back of a bill, &c. F. 

endosser, (formerly endorser;) en, in, and dos, the 

back : L. in, and dorsum. 
ENDOW, v. To enrich by a gift. F. endouaire. — See 

DOWER. 
ENDURE, v. To continue; to sustain. F. endurer; L. 

in, in, and duro, to continue. 
ENERGY, s. Natural power; force. G. energeia; en, 

in, and ergon, work. 
ENERVATE, v. To weaken; to effeminate. L. ener- 

vus: comp. of e, from, and nervus, a sinew. 
EN FAMILLE. In the usual family mode ; without 

ceremony. F. en, according as, famille, the family. 
ENFILADE. i>. To pierce from flank to flank. F. enfl- 

ler; en, in, and file, a row. 
EN FLUTE. A vessel is said to be armed en flute, 

when she carries only her upper tier of guns; her 

hold being filled with stores. Flute is a kind of long 

vessel, serving chiefly for the carrying of provisions 

in fleets of ships of war, and is supposed to be derived 

from a German word, signifying to float. F. en, in the 

manner of, flute, a flute. 
ENFRANCHISE, v. To admit to all the privileges of 



ENG— ENU 

a freeman; to invest with the elective privilege. F. 
en, into, and franchise, freedom. 

ENGINE, s. A machine. F. engin; L. ingenium, a con- 
trivance. 

ENGRAVE, v. To cut figures in any substance. F. en- 
graver; G. en, into, and grafiho, to write. 

ENGROSS, v. To monopolize; to copy in a larger 
character. F. grossir, to enlarge. 

ENIGMA, s. An obscure question; a riddle. G. ainig- 
ma, an obscure speech. 

EN MASSE. In a body: a military levy en masse, in- 
cludes the whole population capable of bearing arms. 
F. en, in, masse, a mass. 

EJYJYUI. s. Weariness. F. 

ENORMOUS, adj. Irregular; extremely large. L. e, out 
of, and norma, a rule. 

ENTANGLE, v. To involve; to confuse. F. en, (used 
for the L. in,) and L. tangor, to be beaten together. 

ENTEROLOGY. s. An anatomical description of the 
intestines. G. enteron, an intestine, and logos, a de- 
scription. 

ENTERPRISE, s. Arduous attempt. F. entrefirise; en- 
trefirendre, to undertake. 

ENTERTAIN, v. To amuse; to treat hospitably; to 
cherish in the mind. F. entretenir; L. inter, amongst, 
and teneo, to hold, or retain. 

ENTHUSIASM, s. Heat of imagination; violence of 
passion; elevation of fancy. G. enthusiasmos; en, in, 
and thusiazo, to sacrifice. Enthusiasm may be con- 
sidered as an internal burning of oneself in sacrifice; 
as a passion which induces one to believe any thing, 
or attempt any thing, through a violent love of some 
object. 

ENTIRE, adj. Whole; complete. F. entier; L. integer, 
whole. 

EJYTRE NOUS. Between ourselves; in secrecy. F. en- 
tre, between, nous, us. 

ENTREPOT, s. An intermediate place of deposit. F. 
entrepot; L. inter, between, and jiositus, p. part, of 
jiono, to place. 

ENUMERATE, v. To mention singly; to reckon. L. 
enumero; e, out of, and numero f to reckon. 



ENU— EPI 

ENUNCIATION, s. Act of announcing. L. enunciatio . 

—See ANNOUNCE. 
ENVELOP, v. To inwrap; to conceal. F. envelofier; 

L. in, in, and veto, to cover. 
ENVIRON, v. To surround. F. environner; virer, to 

go around. 
ENVOY, s. A public messenger; an ambassador. F. en- 

voyej from en, into, and voir, to see. 
EPACT. 8. A number by which we note the excess of 

the common solar year above the lunar, and ascertain 

the age of the moon. G. efiakte, a supplement. 
EPAULET, s. A military shoulder-ornament. F. epau- 
lette; efiaule, the shoulder. 
EPHEMERAL, adj. Of one day's continuance. G. efihe- 

merios; efii, through, and hemera, a day. 
EPHORI. s. Five magistrates of Sparta, who inspected 

the conduct of the kings and the people. G. efihoroi; 

efihoros, an inspector: efii, over, and horao, to see. 
EPIC adj. Relating to a narrative, not acted, as the 

drama, but merely read or spoken by one person: in 

its general sense, it now refers to an heroic poem. L. 

efiicus; G. efios, a word, or song. 
EPICURE, s. A person fond of luxury. Efiicurus, a 

Grecian, the founder of the Epicureans. 
EPIDEMIC, adj. Generally prevailing. G.efii, through, 

and demos, the people. 
EPIGRAM, s. A short poem, ending in some point of 

wit. G. efii, upon, and gramma, a letter. 
EPILEPSY, s. A convulsive fit, G. efiilefisia; efii, upon, 

and lambano, to seize. 
EPILOGUE, s. A poem or speech after the conclusion 

of a play. G. efii, upon, (that is, concerning,) and lo- 
gos, a word. 
EPIPHANY, s. A church festival on the twelfth day after 

Christmas. G. efiifihaneia; efii, upon, and fihaino, to 

appear. 
EPISCOPAL, adj. Relating to a bishop. L. efiiscofia* 

lis; G. efiiskofios, an overseer : efii, over, and skofieo> 

to look. 
EPISODE, s. A digression in a poem. G. efiisode; efi?\ 

beside, and ode, a song. 
[10] 



EPI— EQU 

EPISTLE, s. A solemn letter. G. efiistole, a letter: efii, 

upon, and stello, to send. 
EPITAPH, s. Inscription upon a tomb. G. efii, upon, 

and tafihos, a tomb. 
EPITHALAMIUM. s. A marriage song. G. efii, 

upon, and thalamos, a bridal chamber. 
EPITOME', s. An abridgment. G. efiitome; efii, into, 

and temno, to cut. 
EPOCH, or EPOCHA. s. The time at which a new 

computation is begun. L. efiocha, G. efioche; efii, 

upon, and echo, to hold. 
EQUANIMITY, s. Evenness of mind. L. (squanimU 

tas; from aquus, equal, and animus, the mind. 
EQUATION, s. A term in algebra and astronomy, 

denoting equalisation. L. aquatio; from aquus, equal. 
EQUATOR, s. The imaginary circle which divides the 

globe into two equal parts, called the northern and 

southern hemispheres. L. (equator; from aquus, equal. 
EQUERRY, s. Master of the horse. L. equarius, per- 
taining to a horse : equus, a horse. 
EQUILATERAL, atf/'. Having all sides equal. L. aqua 

latera, equal sides: equus, and latus. . 
EQUILIBRIUM. 5. Equipoise; equality of weight. L. 

equilibrium: aquus, equal, and libra, a balance. 
EQUINOX, s. The time when the sun crosses the 

equator, and the night is of the same length as the 

day. L. aquus, equal, and nox, a night. 
EQUIP. ~v. To furnish for a horseman; to furnish in ge- 
neral. F. equifier: L. equus, a. horse. 
EQUIPAGE, s. Furniture of a horseman: but, more 

generally, a splendid carriage and the horses ; or table 

furniture. F. equifiage. — See EQUIP. 
EQUIPOISE, s. Equilibrium; equality of weight, or of 

power. L. aquus, equal, and F. fioids, weight. 
EQUITY, s. Justice; mode of decision in a court of 

justice, without observing the precise dictates of the 

law. L. cequitas: from aquus, equal. 
EQUIVALENT, adj. Of equal value, or power. L. 

aquus, equal, and valens, part, of valeo, to avail. 
EQUIVOCAL, adj. Capable of being construed in dif- 
ferent senses; uncertain. L. (Zquivocus: aquus, equal. 

and vox, a voice. 



ERA— EST 

ERADICATE, v. To destroy entirely. L. eradico: e, 
from, and radix, a root. 

ERASE, v. To expunge. L. e } from, and rasum, sup. 
of rado, to scrape. 

ERR. v. To deviate ; to mistake. L. erro, to wander. 

ERRATA, s. Errors. L. pi. of erratum; from erratus, 
part, of erro. — See ERR. 

ERRATIC, adj. Wandering. L. erraticus. — See ERR. 

ERRONEOUS, adj. Incorrect : L. erroneus. — See ERR. 

ERUDITION, s. Knowledge obtained by learning. L, 
eruditio; from eruditus', p. part, of eruclio, to instruct; 
comp. of e, from, and rudis, untaught. 

ERUPTION, s. Breaking forth; a cutaneous disease. 
L. erujitio: erufitus, p. part, of erum/io: e, from, and 
rum/io, to break. 

ERYSIPELAS, s. An eruption of a hot, acrid humour, 
chiefly in the face. G. erusifielas: eruo, to draw, and 
fielas, adjoining; because, the neighbouring parts are 
affected by the eruption. 

ESCALADE, s. Act of scaling the walls of a fortified 
place. F. escalade: from echelle, a ladder. 

ESCORT, v. To convoy. F. escorter. 

ESCRITOIRE, s. A writing-desk. F. ecritoir, (for- 
merly escritoire;') from ecrire, to write. 

ESCULENT, adj. Eatable. L. esculentus: esculenta, 
food. 

ESPECIAL, adj. Particular.— See SPECIAL. 

ESPOUSE, v. To marry; to abet. F. efiouser: (formerly 
esfiouser;) efiouse, a wife. 

ESQUIRE, s. The attendant, or armour bearer, of a 
knight ; a title applied, in the British empire, to some 
of the younger sons of noblemen, and to magistrates, 
military officers, £tc. Old F. escuer; escu, a shield. 

ESSAY', v. To attempt. F. essayer, to attempt. 

ES'SAY. s. An attempt ; a dissertation. — See the verb. 

ESSENCE, s. Physical basis; essential oil. F. essence; 
L. essentia, the existence: esse, to be. 

ESSENTIAL, adj. Having the essence; indispensable. 
L. essentialis. — See ESSENCE. 

ESTATE, s. Condition of life; property. F. etat; (for- 
merly, estat;) L. status; from sto, to stand. 

ESTEEM. *. Regard; respect.— See ESTIMATE. 



EST— EVA 

ESTIMATE, v. To rate; to conjecture. L. <zstimo; <e$, 

money. 
ESTRANGE, -v. To withdraw the affections. F. etran* 

ger, (formerly, estranger;) L. e, from, and stringo, to 

draw. 
ESTUARY, s. An arm of the sea. L. cestuarium; from 

astuo, to be straitened. 
ET CETERA. Abbreviated etc. or &c. And the rest; 

and others of the same kind. L. et, and, and cxtera, 

others. 
ETHER, s. An imaginary air; a volatile distilled spirit. 

L. (Ether; G. aither; aitho, to burn. 
ETHICS, s. The doctrine of morality. G. ethike; ethos^ 

a manner. 
ETHNIC, adj. Gentile; neither Jewish nor Christian. 

G. ethnekos; ethnos, a nation. — See GENTILE. 
ETIQUETTE, s. Established ceremony or mode. F. 

etiquette, a ticket, upon which the forms of court cere- 
monies, Sec. are written. 
ETYMOLOGY, -s. The derivation of a word from its 

original; that part of grammar which treats of the dif- 
ferent sorts of words and their various modifications. 

L. etymologia; G. etumologia; etumon, a true original, 

and logos, a word. 
EUCHARIST, s. The Lord's Supper. G. eucharistia l 

thanksgiving. 
EUDIOMETER, s. An instrument, invented by Priestly, 

for ascertaining the purity of atmospheric air. G. eu^ 

good, dios, air, and metron, measure. 
EULOGY. 5. Pi*aise. G, eulogia; corap. of eu, good, 

and logos, a word. 
EUPHONY. «. Agreeable sound. -G. eufihonia; eu, well, 

and jihoneo, to sound. 
EVACUATE, v. To make empty; to retire from. L. 

evacuo; vacuus, empty. 
EVADE, v. To elude, or avoid. L. evado; e, from, and 

vado, to march, or move. 
EVANESCENT, adj. Vanishing; imperceptible. L. 

evanescens, part, of evanesco, to disappear: from ~va- 

nus, empty. 
EVANGELIST, s. A writer of the history of Christ. 



EVA— EXC 

t. evangetus; G. euangelos; from eu, good, and c?z- 

g-e/o, to declare. 
EVAPORATE, x>. To ascend in vapour. L. eva/ioro; 

e, from, and vafios, vapour. 
EVENT, s. Occurrence. L. eventus; e, out of, and ven- 

tum, sup. of venio, to come. 
EVIDENCE, s. Proof; testimony; the person who tes- 
tifies. F. evidence; L. eviclentia. — See EVIDENT. 
EVIDENT, adj. Proved; clear. F. evident; L. evident; 

e, out of, and video, to see. 
EVINCE, v. To prove; to manifest. L. evincoj e, from, 

and vinco, to conquer. 
EVISCERATE, v. To embowel. L. eviscero; e, from, 

and viscera, the bowels. 
EVOLUTION, s. Act of unfolding ; military field-ex- 
ercise. L. evolutus, p. part, of evolvo. — — See 

EVOLVE. 
EVOLVE, v. To unfold; to throw off by chemical ef- 
fect. L. evolvo; e, from, and volvo, to roll. 
EXAGGERATE, v. To heighten beyond truth. L. ex- 

aggero ; ex, above, and aggero, to heap: agger, a 

heap. 
EXANIMATE, adj. Lifeless; inanimate. L. ex, from, 

and anima, the breath, or soul. 
EXALT, v. To raise; to dignify. F. exalter; L. ex, 

above, and alius, high. 
EXASPERATE, v. To enrage. L. exasfiero; ex, above, 

(meaning in a high degree,) and asfiero, to make 

rough: asfier, rough. 
EXCAVATE, v. To make hollow. L. excavo; ex, from, 

and cavo, to make hollow. 
EXCEED, v. To go beyond; to surpass. L. excedo; 

ex, from, and cedo, to depart. 
EXCEL, v. To be eminent; to surpass. L. excello, to 

be high. 
EXCEPT, v. To leave out. L. excefxtum, sup. of exci- 

fiio; ex, out of, and cafiio, to take. 
EXCERPTA. s. Extracts. L. excerfita; from excerfi- 

tus, part, of excerfio; ex, from, and carfio, to pluck. 
EXCESS, s. More than sufficient; surplus. L. excesses, 

p. part, of excedo.—- See EXCEED. 

[io*] 



EXC— EXE 

EXCISE. s. A tax, formerly paid by a part of the arti- 
cle assessed. L. excisus, p. part, oiexcido. — See EX- 
CISION. 

EXCISION, s. Act of cutting out. L. excisio; from ex- 
cisus, p. part, of excido; ex, from, and ccedo, to lop. 

EXCLAIM, v. To call loudly. L. exclamo: ex, from, 
and clamo, to call. 

EXCLUDE. ~o. To shut out; to. debar. L. excludo; 
comp. of ex, from, and claudo, to shut. 

EXCLUSION. «. Act of excluding. L. exclusus, p. 
part, of excludo. — See EXCLUDE. 

EXCORIATE, v. To strip off the skin. L. ex, from, 
and corium, a skin. 

EXCRESCENCE, s. Irregular protuberance. L. ex- 
crescens; part, of excresco; ex, from, and cresco, to 
grow. 

EXCRUCIATING, adj. Extremely painful. L. excru- 
cio, to torture : ex, from, and cruce, abl. of crux, a 
cross; alluding to the torments of crucifixion. 

EXCULPATE. v.'To exonerate from a criminal charge. 
L- ex, from, and culpa, blame. 

EXCURSION, s. A ramble. L. excursio; ex, from, 
and curro, to run. 

EXCUSE, v. To disengage from an obligation. L. ex- 
cuso; ex, from, and causa, a design. 

EXECRATE. ~u. To curse; to detest. L. execror, or 
exsecror; ex, from, and sacrum, a holy rite: meaning, 
to debar from the benefit of religious ceremonies. 

EXECUTE, -v. To perform ; to put to death. L. exe~ 
cutus, part, of exequor: ex, according to [direction,], 
and sequor, to follow. 

EXECUTIVE, adj. Relating to the power which per- 
forms, but does not deliberate. — See EXECUTE. 

EXEMPLI GRATIA. As an example; for instance; 
usually abbreviated ex. gr., or e. g. L. 

EXEMPT, adj. Free by privilege. L. exemptus, p. part,, 
of eximo; ex, from, and emo, to purchase. 

EXERGUE, s. F.—See EXERGUM. 

EXERGUM. s. The circular space between, the work 
and the edge of a coin or medal, on which the in- 
scription is usually placed. G. ex, from, and ergon* 
work. 






EXE— -EXP 

EXEUJYT OMJYES. Used, in theatrical pieces, to 
mark the departure from the stage of all the charac- 
ters. L. omnes, all, exeunt, go out: omnia, and exeo. 

EXFOLIATE, v. To separate in layers. L. ex, from, 
and folium, a leaf. 

EXHAUST, v, To draw away; to fatigue. L. exhatis- 
tum, sup. of exhaurio; ex, from, and haurio, to draw. 

EXHIBIT, v. To display. L. exhibeo; comp. of ex t 
from, and habeo, to hold. 

EXHILARATE, v. To enliven. L. exhilaro; hilaritas, 
mirth. 

EXHORT, v. To advise from an evil, or to a virtuous 
action. L. exhortor; ex, from, and hortor, to advise. 

EXIGENCE, or EXIGENCY. *. Sudden occasion. L. 
exigens, part, of exigo, to drive out: ex, from, and 
ago, to move. 

EXILE, s. Banishment, either voluntary or compul- 
sive; person banished. L. exilium; exilio, to depart 
hastily: ex, from, and salio, to leap. 

EXIT. A term used to mark the time at which a player 
leaves the stage; departure. L. exit, he (or she) goes 
out: exeo. 

EX-MINISTER, s. One who has been a minister of state. 
L. ex, out, and minister. 

EXODUS. *. The second book of Moses, which de- 
scribes the journey of the Israelites from- Egypt. G. 
exodos, departure. 

EX OFFICIO. By the power of his office. L. ex, ac- 
cording to, officio, abl. of officium, an office. 

EXONERATE, v. To disburthen; to exculpate. L. 
exonero; ex, from, and onus, a burthen. 

EXORBITANT, adj. Irregular; enormous* L. ex, out 
of, and orbit a, a track. 

EXORCISE. -y.To pretend to drive away an evil spirit. 
G. ex, out of, and orkizo, to adjure. 

EXORDIUM. &. A formal preface. L» exordium, a be- 
ginning. 

EXOTIC, adj. Foreign. G. exotikos, foreign. 

EXPAND, v. To spread. L. exfiando; ex, from, and 

ftando, to open* 
EX-PAR TE'. On one side only ; ex-parte evidence 



EXP— EXP 

is that testimony, which, as before a grand jury, is de- 
livered only on the side of the prosecution. L. ex, from, 
parte, abl. of pars, a part. 

EXPATIATE, v. To enlarge on, in language. L. ex- 
patior; ex, from, and pateo, to spread out. 

EXPECT, v. To anticipate, in the mind; to wait for, 
L. expecto; ex, from, and specto, to look. 

EXPECTORATE, v. To eject matter from the breast. 
L. ex, from, and pectus, the breast. 

EXPEDIENT, adj. Advantageous; fit. L. expediens, 
part, of expedio. — See EXPEDITE. 

EXPEDITE, v. To facilitate; to hasten. L. expedio, 
to free: ex, from, and pede, abl. of pes, afoot. 

EXPEL, v. To drive out. L. expelloj comp. of ex, from, 
andpello, to drive. 

EXPEND, v. To spend; to disburse. L. expendoj ex, 
from, and pendo, to weigh, or pay. 

EXPENSE, s. Expenditure; cost. L. expensu?n.—See 
EXPEND. 

EXPERIENCE, s. Practice. L. exflerientia.—See EX- 
PERT. 

EXPERIMENT, s. Trial. L. experi?nentu7n.—Ste EX- 
PERIENCE. 

EXPERT, adj. Skilful; dexterous. L. expertus, (part, 
of experior,) having tried. 

EXPIATE, v. To atone for. L. expio; comp. of ex, 
from, and pio, to worship, or purge. 

EXPIRE, v. To breathe out; to die; to terminate, L. 
expiro; ex, from, and spiro, to breathe. 

EXPLETIVE, s. In grammar, means something in- 
serted, more to please the ear, than to illustrate. L. 
expletivum; expleo, to glut; ex, in a superabundant 
degree, and pleo, to fill. 

EXPLICIT, adj. Emphatically clear; not merely im- 
plied. L. explicitus, p. part, of explico, to unfold. 

EXPLODE, v. To drive out, with open marks of dis- 
approbation; to make a loud noise like ignited gun- 
powder. L. explodo; ex, from, and plaudo, to make 
a noise by clapping. 

EXPLORE, v. To examine. L. exploro, to explore> to- 
examine. 



EXP— EXT 

EXPLOSION, s. The act of exploding. L. exfllotioj 

exfilosus, p. part, of exfilodo.—See EXPLODE. 
EXPORT, -u. To send out of a country, in the way of 

traffic. L. exfiorto; ex, out of, and fiorto, to carry. 
EXPOSE, v. To lay open; to put in danger. F. exfio- 

ser; L. exfiositum, sup. of exfiono; ex, out of, and 

/2 072-o,~ to place. 
EX POST FACTO.— See POST FACTO. 
EXPOSTULATE, v. To appeal; to debate earnestly. 

L. exfiostulo, to demand. 
EXPOUND, v. To explain. L. exfiono: ex, out of, and 

fiono, to place. 
EX-PRESIDENT, s. One who has been a president. 

L. ex, out, and president. 
EXPRESS. ~u. To press out; to represent; to declare. 

L. exfiressum, sup. of exfirimo: ex, from, and firemo, 

to press. 
EXPRESS, adj. Exactly alike, (as if taken by an im- 
pression ;) explicit. — See the verb. 
EXPRESS, s. An extraordinary messenger. — See the 

verb. 
EXPULSION, s. Act of expelling. L. exfiulsio: from 

ex/ieUo.—See EXPEL. 
EXPUNGE, v. To erase. L. exfiungo: ex, from, and 

jiungo, to prick. 
EXQUISITE, adj. Consummate; excellent. L. exqui- 

situs, (p. part, of exquiro,') searched out; ex, out of, 

and qucero, to seek. 
EXSCIND. ~o. To cut from. L. ex, from, and scindo, 

to cut. 
EXSICCATE, v. To dry. L. exsicco, to dry. 
EXTANT, adj. Before the public; now existing. L. 

exstans, part, of exsto, to stand out : ex, from, and 

sto, to stand. 
EXTASY, or ECSTASY. 5. Any emotion by which the 

thoughts are absorbed, and in which the mind is for 

a time lost; excessive joy, or excessive grief. F. ex- 

tase: G. ekstasis; from ek, out, and stasis, standing. 
EXTEMPORE'. Without preparation. L. ex, from, 

and tempore, abl. of temfius, time; meaning the pre- 
sent time. 



EXT— EXT 

EXTEND, -v. To reach (with to^) to enlarge. L. ex- 
tendo: comp. of ex, from, and tendo, to stretch. 

EXTENUATE, v. To lessen; to palliate. L. extenuo: 
ex, from, and tenuis, thin, or small. 

EXTERIOR, adj. Outward. L. exterior, compar, deg. 
of extra, without: pos. extra; compar. exterior; sup. 
extremus. 

EXTERMINATE, v. To destroy. L. extermino: ex 9 
noting in a great degree, and termino, to end. 

EXTERNAL, adj. Outward; foreign. L. externus: ex- 
ter, foreign : comp. of ex, out of, and terra, a terri- 
tory. 

EXTINCT, adj. Extinguished ; abolished. L. extinctus, 
p. part, of extinguo, to extinguish. 

EXTINGUISH, v. To quench; to destroy. L. extin- 
guo, to extinguish. 

EXTIRPATE, v. To eradicate; to destroy. L. extir/io: 
ex, from, and stirfis, a root. 

EXTOL, v. To praise highly. L. extollo: ex, from, and 
tollo, to lift up. 

EXTORT, v. To obtain by force, or by the passion of 
avarice. L. extortum, sup. of extorqueo: ex, from, and 
torqueo, to twist. 

EXTRA, adj. Additional. L. extra, besides. 

EXTRACT, v. To draw from; to take out a part. L. 
extractum, sup. of extrako: comp. of ex, from, and 
traho, to draw. 

EXTRAJUDICIAL, adj. Out of the regular course 
of legal procedure. L. extra, beyond, and judicial. 

EXTRANEOUS, adj. Of a different kind; foreign. L. 
extraneus: extra, without. 

EXTRAORDINARY, or EXTRORDINARY. adj. 
Uncommon; unusual; eminent. L. e xtraor dinar ius: 
extra, beyond, and ordinarius, ordinary: ordo, a rule. 

EXTRAVAGANT, adj. Irregular; wild; prodigal. L, 
ertravagans: extra, beyond, and vagor, to wander. 

EXTREME, adj. Utmost. L. extremus, superl. of ex- 
tra, beyond. 

EXTRICATE. ~v. To disentangle. L. extrico: ex, out 
of, and tric(£, an impediment. 

EXTRUDE, v. To thrust out; to push off with vio- 
lence. L. extrudo: ex,o\\l, orfrom,and trudo, to thrust. 



EXT— FAL 

EXTRUSION. 5. Act of extruding. L.extrusus, p. part, 

o'f extrudo.—See EXTRUDE. 
EXUBERANT, adj. Overabundant. L. exuberans, 

part, of exubero: extra, beyond, and uber, plentiful. 
EXUDE, v. To issue in sweat. L. exudo: ex, out of, 

and sudo, to sweat. 
EXULT, v. To rejoice greatly. L, exulto; comp. of 

ex, from, [the ground,] and salto, to dance, or leap. 



F. 

FABLE, s. A fictitious story. L. fabula, a tale, or dis- 
course. 

FABRIC, s. Something made. L.fabricaj faber, a work- 
man. 

FABRICATE, v. To construct; to invent. h.fabrico. 
—See FABRIC. 

FABULOUS, adj. Fictitious; false. l^.fabulosus.—Sze, 
FABLE. 

FACETIOUS, adj. Witty. L. facetted, raillery. 

FACILITATE, v. To make easy, h.facilis, easy: fa- 
cio, to do, or cause. 

FAC SIMILE', s. An imitation, as nearly resembling 
the original as possible. L. factum, a thing done, and 
simile, neuter of similis, like: the word factum has 
been here abbreviated to fac. 

FACT. s. A thing done; reality. L. factum; facio, to do. 

FACTION, s. A party, united in opposing another, L. 
factio; facio, to do, or hinder. 

FACTOR, s. An agent. L. factor; from facio, to do, or 
make. 

FACTORY, s. A house, or district, inhabited by the 
foreign traders of a particular nation, in a distant 
country; the traders themselves; a manufactory. — See 
FACTOR. 

FACULTY, s. Power; learned professors. L.facnltas; 
facio, to do. 

FALLACY, s. Deceit; untruth. L. fallacia; fallo, to 
slip or slide; that is, to approach imperceptibly. 

FALLIBLE, adj. Liable to error, or to failure. L. fallo? 
to slip. 



FAM—FAU 

FAMILIAR, adj. Domestic; affable; unceremonious, 
well-known; too nearly acquainted. L. familiar is ; fa* 
milia, a family. 

FAMINE, s. Distressful scarcity of food. F. famine; L. 
fames, hunger. 

FAMISH, v. To starve. L. fames, hunger. 

FAMOUS, adj. Renowned. L. famosus; fama, report. 

FANATIC, s. A mad enthusiast; one who has extra- 
vagant notions of religion. "L.fanaticus, mad. 

FANCY, s. Imagination; caprice; liking. This is a 
contraction of phantasy. — See FANTASM. 

FANTASM. s. Something which appears real, but is 
only in the imagination. G. fihantasma, an apparition : 
fihaino, to appear. 

FANTASTIC, adj. Irrational; whimsical. F. fantas- 
tigue.See FANTASM. 

FARCE. 5. A dramatic afterpiece, of a ludicrous kind. 
F.farcir, ~L.farcio, to fill up, or stuff. 

FARINACEOUS, erf;. Mealy. L. farina, meal. 

FARRAGO. s. A rude or confused mixture. L. farra- 
go; far, all kinds of corn. 

FARRIER, s. A horse-doctor, (a profession usually fol- 
lowed by horse-shoers.) F. ferrier; L. ferrarius, be- 
longing to iron: ferrum, iron. 

FASCES, s. Rods, with an axe bound up in the middle, 
anciently carried before the Roman consuls. L. fasces f 
pi. of fas cis, a bundle of twigs. 

FASCINATE, v. To influence, as if by supernatural 
power; to delight highly, lu.fascino, to bewitch. 

FASCINE, s. The military name of a fagot : fascines 
are used generally for filling up a ditch. F. fascine; 
L. fascis, a bundle of twigs. 

FASTIDIOUS, adj. Disagreeably methodical. L.fas- 
tidiosus; from fastidium, pride, reluctance. 

FATUITY, s. Foolishness ; weakness of mind. F. fa~ 
tuite; IL.fatuus, silly. 

FAUN. s. A kind of rural deity. Faunus, (a son of 
Picus, an Italian king,) whose attachment to agricul- 
ture induced his subjects to revere him, after his 
death, as one of their country deities. — See the heathen 
•mythology. 



FAU— FER 

FAUX PAS. A false step; a deviation from rectitude, 
F.faux, false, and /?«s, a step. 

FEALTY s. Duty or fidelity to a superior lord. F.feal, 
a vassal. 

FEASIBLE, adj. Practicable. F. faisible; faire, to do. 

FEBRIFUGE, s. A medicine serviceable in a fever. L. 
febris, a fever, andfugo, to drive away. 

FEBRILE, adj. Relating 'to fever. lu.febrilis;febris, a 
fever. 

FEBRUARY, s. The second month. L. Februarius; 
Februa, the mother of Mars. 

FECULENT, adj. Foul; excrementitious. li.feeculen- 
tus; from ftecula, small dregs ; fax, dregs. 

FECUNDITY, s. Fruitfulness. L. feecunditas, fruit- 
fulness. 

FEDERAL, adj. Relating to a contract; united, h.fce- 
dies, a league. 

FEDERALIST, s. Originally meant an American citi- 
zen who voted for the new federal constitution of the 
United States: — since the beginning of the French 
war, in 1792, it has had no relative meaning; but, like 
the term democrat, is used only to serve the interested 
views of a party. — See FEDERAL. 

FELICITATE, v. To congratulate. L. felicito; felici- 
tas, happiness ; felix, happy. 

FELINE, adj. Resembling, or pertaining to, a cat. L. 
felinus; felis, a cat. 

FELO DE SE. A person of sound mind who commits 
suicide. "L.felo, a felon, de, of, se, himself. 

FELON, s. One who has committed a capital crime. F. 
felon; ~L.felo, a felon. 

FEMININE, adj. Relating to a female. L. femininus; 
femina, a woman. 

JFEMME COUVERTE. In law, signifies a woman co- 
vered or protected, by marriage, from the payment of 
debt, and, in some cases, from criminal prosecution* 
F.femme, a woman, couverte, covered. 

FEMME SOLE. A spinster; an unmarried woman. 
F.femme, a woman, and old F. sole, alone. 

FEND. ~u. To keep off; to guard. From Defend. 

FEROCIOUS, adj. Fierce. L. ferocis, gen. of ferox t 
.fierce. 



FER— FIL 

FERRUGINOUS, adj. Partaking of the particles and 
the quality of iron, la.feri-ngineus; comp. of ferrum, 
iron, and genus, a sort. 

FERTILE, adj. Fruitful. L. fertilis; fero, to bear, or 
produce. 

FERVENT, adj. Hot; ardent. lu.fervens, part, of fer- 
veo, to boil. 

FERVID, adj. Hot; vehement; zealous. L. fervidus; 
ferveo, -to boil. 

FESTIVAL, s. A feast, or the period of a feast, h.fes- 
tivus, merry. 

FETE CHAMP ETRE. An entertainment, given in 
the country, in the open air. ¥ .fete, a feast, and chain- 
fietre, rural. 

FETID, adj. Rancid; having an offensive smell. L.fee- 
tidus, stinking. 

FIAT. 5. In law, a writ containing a peremptory order. 
L,.fiat, let it be done; from^o. 

FICTION, s. Invention; falsehood. L. fictioj from fic- 
tus, p. part, of Jingo, to frame. 

FICTITIOUS, adj. Counterfeit; not real. L. fictitius. 
—See FICTION. 

FIDELITY, s. Faithful adherence; honesty. L. fideli- 
tas; fides, faith, or truth. 

FIDUCIARY, adj. Confiding; undoubting. "L.fiducia- 
rius; fides, faith. 

FIERI FACIAS. A judicial writ, empowering a she- 
riff to levy the amount of a debt, or of damages reco- 
vered. L. facias, you may cause it, fieri, to be done: 
facio, andfio. 

FIGMENT, s. A fiction. L. figmentum; Jingo, to 
frame. 

FIGURE, s. Form; an image; a character denoting a 
number; a trope. L. figura; from Jingo, to shape, or 
frame. 

FILAMENT, s. A body, long and slender, like a thread. 
L. filamenta; filiim, a thread. 

FILIAL, adj. Regarding a child, in relation to its pa- 
rents. F. filial; Yu.filius, a child. 

FILLE BE CHAMBRE. s. A chambermaid. Y.fille, 
a girl, de, of, chambre, a chamber. 



FIL— FLO 

FILLE DE JOIE. s. A prostitute. F.fille, a daughter, 
de, of, joie, pleasure. 

FILTER, v. To purify by straining*. Low L. filtro: 
comp. offilum, a thread, and traho, to draw; refer- 
ring to the original mode of "filtering, by suspended 
threads. 

FINAL, adj. Last; conclusive. L. finalis; from fin is, 
the end. 

FINANCE, s. Revenue. ¥ .finance; h.finic, to accom- 
plish. 

FINESSE, s. Artifice. F. Jinesse: L. finio, to accom- 
plish. 

FINITE, adj. Limited. L. finitus: finis, an end. 

FISCAL, adj. Relating to the public revenue. F. fiscal: 
iu.fiscus, a treasury. 

FISSILE, adj. Having the laminse, or grain, in a direc- 
tion to admit of being cleft. L. fissilis. — -See FIS- 
SURE. 

FISSURE, s. A cleft. L. fissura: from fissus, p. part, 
of findo, to cleave. 

FISTULA, s. A sinuous ulcer. L. fistula, a pipe. 

FIX. v. To fasten; to settle. L. fixum, sup. of figo, to 
fasten. 

FLACCID, adj. Limber; soft. L. fiaccidus, withered, 
feeble. 

FLAGELLATION, s. A flogging. L. fiagcllum, a 
scourge. 

FLAGITIOUS, adj. Atrocious. L. fiagitius: fiagiti- 
um, a base action. 

FLAGRANT, adj. Sometimes means flushed, but com- 
monly, notorious, or atrocious. L. fiagrans, part, of 
fiagrcr, to be on fire. 

FLAMBEAU. .9. A torch. Y.fiambeau: comp. of fam- 
ine, flame, and beau, handsome. 

FLATULENT, adj. Windy. L. fiatulentus: fiatus, a 
puff: fiatus, p. part, of fio, to blow. 

FLEXIBLE, adj. Pliant. L. fiexibilis; fiexus, p. part, 
of fiecto, to bend. 

FLORID, adj. Bright in colour; flushed with red; em- 
bellished. L. fioridus; from fioris, gen. of fios, a 
flower. 

FLORIST, adj. A cultivator of flowers; a maker or 



FLO—FOR 

vender of artificial flowers. L. foris, gen. of Jios^ « 
flower. 

FLOURISH, adj. To have vigour; to boast. L. Jlo- 
reo: foris, gen. of fios, a flower. 

FLUATE. s. A weak salt, which, by means of strong 
sulphuric acid, yields a vapour, and when condensed 
forms liquid fluoric acid. h.fuo, to flow. 

FLUCTUATE, v. To flow backwards and forwards; 
to vary often. L. fluctuo: fuctus, a wave: fiuo, to 
flow. 

FLUE. s. A passage for smoke. L. Jluo, to flow, or pass 
away. 

FLUENT, adj. Flowing; having a ready command of 
words. 'L.fuens, part, of jluo, to flow. 

FLUID, adj. Liquid. L,.fuidus: fiuo, to flow. 

FLUTE, s. A tubated musical instrument. F.fiute: L. 
fiuto, to flow gently: jluo, to flow. 

FLUTED, adj. Resembling the shape of a flute. — See 
FLUTE. 

FLUX. s. Act of flowing; thing which flows; dysen- 
tery. L.Jluxus: from fiuo, to flow. 

FLUXIONS, s. A species of arithmetic invented by 
Newton. h.fuxio, a flowing. 

FOCUS, s. The point where the rays of heat are col- 
lected by a burning- glass; a certain point in the axis 
of a curve. L. focus, a fire-hearth, or the fire. 

FOLIAGE, s. Leaves. F. feuillage: L. folium, a leaf. 

FOLIO, s. A book, the leaves of which are formed of 
sheets of paper once doubled. Abl. of folium, a leaf. 

FOMENT, v. To cherish with heat; to bathe with 
warm lotions; (in an evil sense) to encourage. L.yb- 
mentor: from foveo, to keep warm. 

FORAGE. x>. To go out in search of provisions. F. 
fourrager: fourrage, fodder: fourrer, to stuff in. 

FORCE, s. Strength; active power. F. force; L.fors, 
strength. 

FORCEPS, s. Surgical tongs. L. forcejis, a pair of 
tongs. 

FORENSIC, adj. Belonging, or appropriate to, a court 
of judicature. L.forensis.— -See FORUM. 

FORGE, -v. To form by hammering; to imitate, F. for- 
ger, to hammer. 



FOR— FRA 

FORMULA, s. A prescribed order. 1,. formula: forme, 

a form. 
FORTIFY, v. To strengthen. F. fortifier; L. fortis, 

strong, and facto, to make. 
FORTITUDE. 5. Bravery in resisting, or in suffering. 

h.fortitudo: from fortis, hardy, strong. 
FORTRESS. 5. A fortified building. F. fortresse: L. 

fortis, strong. , 

FORTUITOUS, adj. Accidental. 1t.fortuitus:fortis, 

gen. of for s, chance, and itus, the act of going. 
FORTUNATE, adj. Lucky; successful. h.fortunatus: 

fortuna, fortune. 
FORUM, s. The market-place of Rome, where great 

judicial causes were tried. L. forum, a market-place. 
FOSSE, s. A military ditch. F. fosse; L. fossa: fossus, 

p. part, offodio, to dig. 
FOSSIL, s. Something dug out of the earth. L. fossi- 

lis.— See FOSSE. 
FOUND, v. To originate, as a town or a colony. L. 
fundo, (fundare,) to lay the groundwork :/zmdws,land. 
FOUND, v. To cast, as at a foundry. L. fundo, (fun- 

dere,) to pour out. 
FOUNDRY. 5. A place where articles are formed of 

melted metals. — See FOUND, to cast. 
FRACTION, s. An arithmetical part of an integer. L. 

fractio: fractus, p. part, of frango, to break. 
FRACTURE, s. Breach; separation of a bone. "L.frac- 

tura.—See FRACTION. 
FRAGILE, adj. Easily broken ; uncertain, h.fragilis: 

frango, to break. 
FRAGMENT, s. A part broken off; an imperfect part. 

L. fragmentum: from frango, to break. 
FRAGRANT, adj. Sweet-smelling. L. fragrans, part. 

of fragro, to smell sweetly. 
FRANCHISE, s. Privilege. F. 

FRANGIBLE, adj. Easily broken. L,.frango, to break. 
FRANTIC, adj. Mad; outrageously mad. (corrupted 

from fihrenetic.) 
FRATERNAL, adj. Brotherly; relating to brothers. F. 

frai^rnel: L.frater, a brother. 
FRATRICIDE, .5. Murder of a brother. L. fratricidu 

urn: f rater, a brother, and cado, to kill. 
[11*] 



FRA—FUL 

FRAUD, s. Deceit; dishonesty. Y.fraude: lu.fraudis^ 
gen. of fraus, deceit. 

FRENETIC, adj. Originally, Phrenetic. Mad; dis- 
tracted. G. phrenetikos: fihrenetis, madness. 

FRENZY, s. Madness; mental distraction. G. fihrene- 
tis, madness ; whence, phrenetisy— phrenetsy — phren- 
zy — frenzy. 

FRIABLE, adj. Easily reduced to powder. F. friable, 
L. friabilis: frio, to crumble. 

FRICTION, s. The act of rubbing, lu.frictio: frico, to 
rub. 

FRIGID, adj. Cold; dull. L. frigidus: from frigus, 
cold. 

FRIGORIFIC. adj. Producing cold; or, in chemical 
language, depriving of heat. L. frigorijicus: comp. of 
f rigor, cold, and/bc/o, to make. 

FRISEUR. s. A hairdresser. Y . friseur: friser, to curl. 

FRITTER, -u. To cut small; to destroy gradually. F. 
friture, a piece of meat cut small: L. /rictus, p. part, 
of frico, to rub. 

FRIVOLOUS, adj. Slight; trifling. L. frivolus, tri- 
fling. 

FRONT, s. The face; the forepart of any thing. F, 
front: L. frons, the forehead. 

FRONTAL, adj. Relating to the forehead. F. frontal. — 
See FRONT. 

FRUCTIFY, v. To make fruitful. F. fructijier: L, 
fructus, fruit, and facio, to make. 

FRUGAL, adj. Sparing ; economical. L. frugalis; 
from fruges, fruit, or corn: meaning, careful of pro- 
visions. 

FRUITION, adj. Enjoyment of what one possesses. L. 
fruitus, part, of fruor, to enjoy. The miser has pos- 
session, but not fruition. 

FRUSTRATE, v. To defeat. 'L.frustro, to disappoint, 

FUEL. s. Material for burning. F.feu, fire. 

FUGITIVE, adj. Escaping; unstable; volatile. L. fit- 
gitivus: fugio, to escape. 

FUGITIVE, s. One who runs from his station or duty, 
—Seethe adjective. % 

FULMINATE, v. To make a loud crack; to issue- 



FUM— GAR 

ecclesiastical censure, h.fulmino: from fulmen, thun- 
der. 

FUME. s. Smoke; vapour. L. fumus, smoke. 

FUMIGATE, v. To fill with smoke or vapour.— -See 
FUME. 

FUNCTION, s. Performance; employment. L.functio: 
functus, part, of fungor, to execute. 

FUNDAMENTAL, adj. Relating to the foundation or 
origin; essential. L. fundamentalis; fundamentum, a 
foundation; /undo, to found. 

FUNGOUS, adj. Excrescent. L. fungus, a mush- 
room. 

FURTIVE, adj. Stolen. L. furtivus: fur, a thief. 

FUSE. v. To melt. L. fusum, sup. of fund o, to pour 
out. 

FUSE. s. A small pipe, inserted in a bomb-shelI 5 
through which the exploding fire passes. F.fuseau, a 
spindle. 

FUSIBLE, adj. Capable of being melted. — See the verb 
FUSE. 

FUTILE, adj. Of no effect. 'L.futilis, trivial. 

FUTURE, adj. Relating to time to come. L. futurus, 
about to be; part, of the irreg. v. sum, I am. 



G. 

GALAXY, s. A stream of light in the sky, called the 
milky way. G. galaxia: from gala, milk. — See the 
heathen mythology. 

GALLICISM, s. A mode of speech peculiar to the 
French language. F. gallicisme: L. Gallia, the an- 
cient name of France. 

GANGRENE, s. A cancerous sore. L. gangrtzna: G. 
gaino, to feed on ; meaning, to destroy. 

GARGLE, v. To wash the throat. F. gargouiller:' G. 
gargarcon, the throat. 

GARRISON, s. The soldiers of a fortified town or cas- 
tle; the town or castle having defenders. F. gai-nisonj 
garnir, to furnish. 

GARRULOUS, adj. Talkative. L. garrulus; from gar- 
rio, to prate, 



GAS— GEN 

GASCONADE. *. A boast; a bravado. F. from Gas- 
con, an inhabitant of Gascony, in France; a province 
remarkable for boasting. 

GASTRIC, adj. Relating to the stomach. G. gaster, 
the belly, or stomach. 

GELATINOUS, adj. Of the nature of jelly. L. gela- 
tics, p. part, of gelo, to freeze: gelu, frost. 

GELID, adj. Extremely cold; frozen. L. gelidus: gelu, 
frost. 

GEM. s. A jewel. L. gemma, a jewel. 

GEMINI, s. A sign of the zodiac, represented by 
figures of the twin brothers, Castor and Pollux. L. 
gemini, twins. 

GENDER, s. A natural sex; a grammatical sex. F. 
gendre: L. generis, genitive of genus, a kind. 

GENEALOGY, s. History of the succession of fami- 
lies. G. genea, a generation, and logos, a description. 

GENERA, s. Classes.— See GENUS. 

GENERATE, s. To beget; to produce, lu.genero: ge- 
nus, a race. 

GENERIC, adj. Relating to a genus or class. F. gene- 
rique; L. generis, genitive of genus, a race. 

GENESIS, s. The first book of Moses, which describes 
the creation of the world and the lives of the first pa- 
triarchs. G. genesis; from genea, a generation. 

GENIAL, adj. Contributing to propagation; natural. 
L. genialis; genus, z. race. 

GENITALS, s. The members of generation. L. genu 
talis.— See GENIAL. 

GENITIVE, adj. A case in grammar, called by the 
Latins, genitivus; from gigno, to beget, because, it, 
in a manner, generates other cases depending on it, 
and is chiefly used in the formation of compounded 
words. 

GENTEEL, adj. Polite; graceful; fashionable. F. gen- 
til; gent, proper: L. gentis, (gen. of gens,) of the na- 
tion. 

GENTILE, s. A term applied by the Israelites and 
Christians, to distinguish a foreigner, or one who 
knew not the true God. L. gentilis; from gentes, (pL 
of gens,) the nations. 

GENTLE, adj. Formerly meant well-born; hence,, the 



GEN— GLA 

term gentleman; but it now signifies mild.— See GEN- 
TEEL. 

GENUFLEXION, s. The act of bending the knee. L, 
genu, a knee, and Jlectio, or Jlexio, a bending; from 
fiecto, to bend. 

GENUINE, adj. Not spurious; unmixed; natural. L. 
genuinus; from genus, a kindred, or sort. 

GENUS, s. A class. L. genus, a race, or sort: pi. 
genera. 

GEOGRAPHY, s. Description of the earth, according 
to its natural or political divisions. G. ge, the earth, 
and grafiho, to describe. 

GEOMETRY, s. Originally signified the art of mea- 
suring the earth, or certain divisions of it; but it is 
now used for the science of quantity or extension ab- 
stractedly, without any regard to matter. G. geome- 
tria: comp. of ge, the earth, and metreo, Xo mea- 
sure. 

GEORGIC. adj. Relating to the culture of land, as 
treated by Virgil. L. georgicus: G. georgikon; ge y 
the earth, and ergon, work. 

GERMINATE, v. To sprout. L. germino: germen, a 
branch, or bud. 

GESTATION, s. The act of carrying the young be- 
fore birth. L. gestatio: from gestus, p. part, of gero, 
to carry. 

GESTICULATION, s. Various postures, generally 
expressing sentiment. L. gesticulatio: gesticulor, to 
represent by gesture.' — See GESTURE. 

GESTURE, s. An expressive posture. L. gestio, to 
show joy, or to leap: gestus, p. part, of gero, to 
show. 

GIBBOUS, adj. Convex; protuberant. L. gibbus. 

GIGANTIC, adj. Of large stature. L. gigantis, gen. 
of gig as, a giant. 

GLACIERS, s. Huge masses of mountain ice. F. gla- 
ciers; glace, ice: L. glacies. 

GLACIS, s. In fortification, is a smooth, sloping fence. 
F. glacis; glace, ice: L. glacies. 

GLADIATOR, s. A Roman prize-fighter, with or 
without a sword. L. gladiator: from gladius, a 
sword. 



GLA—GRA 

GLAND, s. A term in anatomy. F. gla?id: L. glandu- 

la, a kernel in the flesh. 
GLANDERS, s. A glandular disorder peculiar to 

horses, and creating a purulent discharge from the 

nostrils. — See GLAND. 
GLEBE, s. Land; church-land. L. gleba, a lump of 

earth. 
GLOBE, s. A round body; the earth. L. globus, a 

ball. 
GLOBULAR, adj. Having the form of a globe. — See 

GLOBE. 
GLOBULE. s. A round particle of matter. L. globu- 
lus.— See GLOBE. 
GLOSSARY, s. A dictionary of antiquated or obscure 

words. L. glossarium: G. glossa, a tongue, or lan- 
guage. 
GLUTINOUS, adj. Of the nature of glue. L. glutino- 

sus: gluten, glue. 
GLUTTON, s. One who indulges too much in eating. 

F. glouton: L. glutio, to swallow. 
GNOMON, s. The hand or stile of a dial. G. gnomon, 

one that knows. 
GNOMONICS. s. The art of dialling. G. gnomonikc. 

—See GNOMON. 
GNOSTIC, s. One of a numerous sect of Christians 

of the first century, who pretended to a high degree 

of knowledge, and held extravagant notions of reli- 
gion. G. ginosko, to know. 
GORMANDIZE, v. To eat greedily. F. gourmand, a 

glutton. 
GRADATION, s. Regular progress from one degree 

to another. L. gradatio: from gracilis, a step. 
GRADUAL, adj. Proceeding by degrees. F. graducl: 

L. gradus, a step. 
GRADUATE, v. To mark with degrees; to obtain a 

collegiate degree. L. gradus, a step. 
GRAMINEOUS, adj. Grassy. L. gramineus: gramen, 

grass. 
GRAMINIVOROUS, adj. Grass-eating; living on 

grass. L. gramen, grass, and voro, to eat. 
GRAMMAR, s. The art of using a language correctly; 



GRA— GUT 

a book which teaches the science of grammas 1 . F. 

grammaire: G. gramma, a letter. 
GRANARY, s. A store for corn. L. granarium; from 

granum, a grain of corn. 
GRANITE, s. A sort of stone, formed of distinct 

grains or particles. F. granit: L. granum, a grain. 
GRANIVOROUS. adj. Living on grain. L. granum, 

a grain of corn, and voro, to eat. 
GRANULATE, v. To form into grains. L. granum, a 

grain, and latum, sup. of fero, to bring. 
GRAPHIC, adj. Relating to the art of engraving. G. 

grafiho, to write, or engrave. 
GRATIFY, v. To indulge; to please. L. gratificor; 

comp. of gratus, agreeable, and facio, to make. 
GRATIS, s. Without requiring payment. L. gratis: 

gratus, welcome. 
GRATUITOUS, adj. Voluntary; as a gift. L. gratui- 
ties. — See GRATIS. Gratuitous is sometimes used 

to denote without firoof; but this sense is erroneous. 
GRATUITY, s. A gift. F. gratuite.—See GRATIS. 
GRATULATORY. adj. Expressing congratulation. 

L. gratulor, to congratulate : gratus, welcome. 
GRAVE, adj. Solemn. L. gravis, weighty. 
GRAVITATE, v. To tend, by intrinsic weight, to- 
wards the centre of attraction. — See GRAVITY. 
GRAVITY, s. Weight; solemnity. L. gravitas; gravis^ 

heavy. 
GRECISM. s. A mode of speech peculiar to the 

Greek language. L. gracismus j from Gracia, 

Greece. 
GREGARIOUS, adj. Living in flocks. L. gregarius; 

from greges, pi. of grex, a flock. 
GROSS, adj. Bulky; palpable; unrefined; indelicate, 

F. gros, thick, coarse. 
GUARANTEE, s. One who insures the fulfilment of a 

contract. F. garantie: from garantir, (formerly gua- 

rantir,) to warrant. 
GUBERNATORIAL, adj. Relating to the office of a 

chief magistrate. L. gubernator, a governor. 
GUTTURAL, adj. Pronounced in the throat, L. gui- 

turalis; guttur, the throat. 



GYM—HAR 

GYMNASTIC, adj. Relating to athletic exercises. L, 
gy?nnasticus: G. gumnastikos: from gumnos, un- 
clothed. 

GYMNOSOPHIST. s. One of a sect of Indian philo- 
sophers, who thought it conformable with the law of 
nature to go naked. F. gymnGsofihist; G. gumnos, 
naked, and sofihistes, a wise man. 

GYRATION, s. The act of turning any thing about. 
L. gyratus, turned about. G. guros, a circuit. 



H. 

HABEAS CORPUS. The name of the great writ of 
English liberty, by which a prisoner's attorney may 
bring the accused out of jail, and insist on his being 
tried. L. habeas, you may have, corfius, the body. 

HABILIMENT, s. Dress. F. habillement: L. habeo, to 
have. 

HABIT, s. The effect of custom; dress. L. habitus; 
habeo, to have. 

HABITABLE, adj. Capable of being dwelt in. L. habi- 
tabilis.—See HABITATION. 

HABITATION, s. Place of abode. L. habitatio: habito, 
to dwell; from habeo, to have. 

HALCYON, adj. Happy. L. halcyoneus: from Haley-' 
one, daughter of jEoIus; who, (according to a heathen 
fiction,) drowned herself in the sea: whence, birds of 
the same name arose; during whose hatching, there is 
always a calm. 

HALO. s. A coloured circle around the sun, moon, or 
any of the large stars. G. halos, an area. 

HANAPER. s. The clerk of the hanaper receives the 
fees due to the king of England for charters and pa- 
tents. Low L. hanafierium, a large basket, or a trea- 
sury. 

HARANGUE, v . To address by an oration. F. haran- 
guer; au, to, rang, a row : meaning, a speech to a 
number of people standing in a row. 

HARASS, v. To weary. F. harasser: harasse, a heavy 
buckler. 



HAR— HER 

HARICOT, s. A kind of ragout, generally made of 
meat-steaks and cut roots. F. haricot. 

HARMONY, s. Agreement; musical concord. G. har- 
monia: comp. of haro, to fit, and monas, unity. 

HAUGHTY, adj. Arrogant; contemptuous. F. haut, 
high; or from a Saxon word of the same meaning. 

HAUTEUR, s. Pride; haughtiness. F. hauteur: haut, 
high. 

HEBDOMADAL, adj. Weekly. L. hebdomada; G. 
hebdomas, a week: hefita, seven. 

HECATOMB, s. An ancient heathen sacrifice of a 
hundred head of cattle. L. hecatombes; G. hekatombe: 
hckaton, a hundred, and bous, an ox. 

HECTIC, adj. Constitutional. F. hectique: G. hexis-, a 
habit. 

HEINOUS, adj. Atrocious. F. haineux: from haine, 
ill-will. 

HELIOSCOPE, s. A kind of telescope, or glass, con- 
trived to enable one to look at the sun without injury 
to the eye. G. helios, the sun, and skofieo, to view. 

HEMISPHERE, s. Half a sphere; half of the earth. 
G. hemisphairion: comp. of hemisu, half, and sphaira 9 
a globe, or sphere. 

HEMISTIC. s. Half a verse of poetry. G.hemisstichion: 
hemisu, half, and stichos, a verse. 

HEMORRHAGE, s. A violent flux of blood. G. hai- 
morrhagia; haima, blood, and rhegnumi, to burst. 

HEMORRHOIDS, s. The piles. G. hu -'norrhides; hai- 
ma, blood, and rheo, to flow. 

HEPTAGON, s. A figure having seven sides and an- 
gles. G. hefita, seven, and gonia, a corner, or angle. 

HEPTANDRIA. s. A genus of plants with herma- 
phrodite flowers and seven stamina. G. hepta, seven 9 
and andria, virility. 

HEPTANGULAR. adj. Having seven angles. G. hefita, 
seven, and L. angulus, a corner, or angle. 

HEPTARCHY, s. A federal government, consisting 
of seven states. G. hepta y seven, and arche, govern- 
ment. 

HERCULEAN, adj. Having great strength, or large 
bodily frame; laborious. — See Hercules, in the hea- 
then mythology. 
[12] 



HER—HEX 

HEREDITARY, adj. Descending by inheritance. L 
hereditarius See HEIR. 

HERESIARCH. s. A leader in heresy. F. heresiarque; 
G. hairesis, heresy, and archos, a chief. 

HERESY. 5. An opinion different from the tenets of 
the catholic church. F. heresie; G. hairesis; from hai- 
reo, to adopt fan opinion.] 

HERETIC, s. One who propagates or is inclined to 
heresy. F. heretique; G. hairetikos. — See HERESY. 

HERITAGE, s. Inheritance; estate devolved by suc- 
cession; estate in general. F. heritage. — See HEIR. 

HERMAPHRODITE, s. An animal, or a plant, which 
unites the two sexes. F. hermaphrodite ; G. Hermes, 
Mercury, and Aphrodite, Venus. 

HERMETICALLY, adv. In a manner practised by 
chemists, (as hermetically sealed.) G. Hermes, Mer- 
cury, the fabled inventor of chemistry. 

HERMIT, s. A person who lives in solitude. F. her- 
mit e; G. hermit es, alone. 

HERNIA, s. A corporeal rupture. L. hernia; G. her- 
nos, a sprout; alluding to its protuberance. 

HERO. s. A man eminent for bravery; chief personage 
in a poem or drama. L. heros, a hero : G. heros, lovely, 
delightful. 

HERPES, s. A species of cutaneous inflammation. L. 
herpes; G. herpo, to creep. 

HESITATE, v. To pause. L. hcesito; from hcsreo, to 
stick fast. 

HETEROCLITE. s. A noun which varies from the 
common modes of declension; any person or thing 
that deviates from the common rule. L. heteroclitum; 
G. heteros, another, and klino, to decline. 

HETERODOX, s. Differing from an established opi- 
nion. G. heteros, another, and doxa, an opinion. 

HETEROGENEOUS, adj. Dissimilar in natural quali- 
ties. G. heteros, another, and genos, a kind. 

HEXAGON, s. A figure having six sides and angles. 
G. hex, six, and gonia, a corner, or angle. 

HEXAMETER, adj. Relating to verse of six feet. L. 
hexameter; G. hex, six, and metron, measure. 

HEXANGULAR. adj. Having six angles. G. hex, six, 
and L. angulus, a corner, or angle. 



HEX— -HON 

HEXAPOD. s. An animal with six feet. G. hex, six, 
and podes, (pi. of pous,) feet. 

HIATUS, s. A chasm; an omission in writing. L. hia- 
tus: hio, to gape. 

HIBERNAL, adj. Relating to winter. L. hibernus, re- 
lating to winter. 

HIERARCH. *. The chief of a sacred order. G. hieros, 
holy, and archos, a chief. 

HIEROGLYPHIC. ». An emblem by which an idea or 
word is signified. L. hieroglyphicus: G. hieros, sacred, 
and glupho, to carve: because, used anciently in reli- 
gious writings. 

HILARITY, s. Mirth. L. hilaritas, mirth. 

HIPPOGRIFF. s. A winged horse, imagined by the 
Italian poet, Ariosto. G. hippos, a horse, and grups, a 
griffin. 

HIPPOPOTAMUS. .?. The river-horse. L. hippopota- 
mus: G. hippos, a horse, and potamos, a river. 

HISTORIOGRAPHER, s. A writer of history. G. /lis- 
teria, history, and grapho, to write. 

HISTORY, s. A dignified narration of events; narra- 
tion. L. historia; G. historia; histor, a witness. 

HISTRIONIC, adj. Theatrical. L. histrio, a stage- 
player. 

HOMAGE, s'. Service paid, and fealty professed, to a 
sovereign or superior lord; respect shown by external 
action. F. hommage; L. homagium ; homo, a man, 
and ago, to execute any business, apply to, or treat 
with. 

HOMICIDE, s. The unpremeditated killing of any hu- 
man being. L. homicidium; comp. of homo, a man, or 
human being, and ctcdo, to kill. 

HOMILY, s. A religious discourse read to a congrega- 
tion. G. homilia; from homileo, to associate. 

HOMO GENE AL. adj. Having the same nature or 
principles. G. homos, like, and genos, a kind. 

HONEST, adj. Upright; sincere; just; chaste. L. ho- 
nestus, honourable: honor, honour, respect. 

HONOUR, s. Dignity; reputation ; nobleness of mind ; 
reverence. L. honor, honour. 

HONORARY, adj. Done in honour; having honour 
without gain. L. honorarias, — See HONOUR. 



HOR— -HUM 

HORIZON, s. The line which terminates the view. G. 
horizon; horizo, to limit. 

HORIZONTAL, adj. Parallel to the horizon; level.— 
See HORIZON. 

HOROSCOPE, s. A configuration of the planets by an 
astrologer, at any particular hour. G. horoskopos: ho- 
ra, an hour, and skopeo, to view. 

HORRID, adj. Hideous; dreadful. L. horridus; hor- 
reo, to be rough; to tremble through fear. 

HORS BE COMBAT. A French term, denoting 
wounded, or rendered, by some other accident, in bat- 
tle, unfit for immediate service: hors, out, de, of, com- 
bat, battle. 

HORTATIVE, adj. Exhortive. L. hortativus; from 
ho r tor, to advise. 

HORTICULTURE. 5. The art of cultivating gardens. 
L. horti, gen. of hortus, a garden, and culture. 

HOSANNA. s. Exclamation of praise to God. G. ho- 
sanna; from two Hebrew words; signifying, I pray 
salvation, I wish prosperity. 

HOSPITABLE, adj. Kind to strangers. L. hospitabi- 
lis; hospitium, an inn : hospes, a guest, or an enter- 
tainer. 

HOSPITAL, s. A place built for the reception of the 
sick, or poor. L. hospitalis, belonging to strangers. — 
See HOSPITABLE. 

HOST. s. One who entertains in his own house; the 
landlord of an inn. F. hoste; L. hospes, an entertainer. 
An army assembled for war; a multitude: hostis, an 
enemy. The consecrated wafer in the Roman church : 
hostia, a sacrifice for having obtained a victory over 
enemies; or a sacrifice in general. 

HOSTILE, adj. Adverse; opposed. L. hostilis; from 
hostes, a foreigner, a public enemy. 

HUMAN, adj. Relating to mankind. L. humanus; ho- 
mo, a man. 

HUMANE, adj. Charitable; merciful. F. humaine. — 
See HUMAN. 

HUMBLE, adj. Low; unassuming. F. humble; L. hu- 
milis; from humus, the ground. 

HUMID, adj. Moist. L. humidus; humus, the ground, 



HUM— HYM 

HUMILITY, s. Humbleness; freedom from arrogance, 

F. humilite; L. humilitas. — See HUMBLE. 
HUMOUR, s. Bodily moisture; temper of mind; a sort 

of wit. L. humor. — See HUMID. 

HYDRA, s. A monstrous water-serpent, with many 
heads, said to have been slain by Hercules; a compli- 
cated mischief. L. hydra; G. hudor, water. 

HYDRANT, s. A pipe, with a turncock attached, from 
which water issues for the convenience of the public, 
or of a private family. G. hudor, water. 

HYDRAULICS, s. The art of conveying water through 
pipes. G. hudor, water, and aulos, a pipe. 

HYDROCEPHALUS, s. A dropsy in the head. L. 
hydrocephalos ; G. hudor, water, and kephale, the 
head. 

HYDROGEN, s. One of the constituent parts of water. 

G. hudor, water, and gennao, to produce. 
HYDROGRAPHER. s. One who draws sea-charts. G. 

hudor, water, and grapho, to describe. 

HYDROMETER, s. An instrument for ascertaining 
the weight of liquids. G. hudor, water, and metreo, to 
measure. 

HYDROPHOBIA, s. Canine madness; the most strik- 
ing evidence of which is a dread of water. L. hydro- 
phobia; G. hudrofihobia; hudor, water, and phobia, 
fear. 

HYDROPIC, ad). Dropsical. L. hydropicus; G. hu- 
drops, the dropsy: hudor, watery and ops, an appear- 
ance. 

HYDROSTATICS, s. The science of the weight and 
pressure of water. G. hudor, water, and statos, part, 
of istemi, to stand or sustain. 

HYGROMETER, s. An instrument for denoting the 
humidity of the atmosphere. G. hugros, moist, and 
metreo, to measure. 

HYGRO SCOPE, s. A hygrometer. G. hugros, moist, 
and skofieo, to view. 

HYGRO STATICS, s. The science which ascertains 
degrees of moisture. G. hugros, moist, and statos, 
part, of istemi, to stand or sustain 

HYMENEAL, adj. Relating to marriage. L. Hymen, 
the god of marriage. 

ri2*i 



HYM— HYS 

HYMN. s. A song of praise; a divine song. F. hymne; 

G. humnos, a song of praise. 
HYPERBOLA, s. A term in mathematics. G. hupcr^ 

over, and ballo, to throw. 
HYPERPOLE'. s. A rhetorical figure, by which any 

thing is increased or diminished beyond the truth. L. 

hyperbole; G. huperbole; comp. of huper, over, and 

bqllo, to throw. 
HYPERBOREAN, adj. Northern. L. hyperboreus; G. 

huper, above, and Boreas, the north-wind. 
HYPERCRITICAL, adj. Captiously exact as a critic. 

G. huper, above, and critical. — See CRITIC. 
HYPHEN, s. A mark (-) used to join words, and parts 

of words. G. huphen, together. 
HYPOCHONDRIAC, adj. Melancholy; disordered in 

the imagination; a state in which a person is bound 

down, as by some animal cord. F. hypochondriaque; 

G. hupo, under, and chondros, a cartilage. 
HYPOCRISY, s. Dissimulation, with regard to moral 

or religious sentiments. G. hupokrisis; hupo, under, 

and krisis, judging: that is, judging or thinking under 

some cover, or cloak. 
HYPOGASTRIC, adj. Seated in the lower part of the 

belly. F. hypogastrique; G. hupo, under, and gaster, 

the belly. 
HYPOTHECATE, v. To deposit as a pledge. L. hy- 

potheca, a pledge: G. hupo, from, and theke, a place 

of deposit. 
HYPOTHENUSE. s, The longest side of a right-an- 
gled triangle. G. hupotenousa; comp. of hupo, under, 

and teino, to stretch out. 
HYPOTFIESIS. s. A supposition. L. hypothesis; G. 

hupothesis; hufia, before, and thesis, a position. 
HYSTERIC, or HYSTERICAL, adj. Subject to a spe- 
cies of fits. G. husterikos; hustera, the womb; from 

which region, the cause of this female weakness w#S 

supposed to issue. 



IAM— IGN 



I. 



IAMBUS, s. A poetical foot, consisting of a short syl- 
lable followed by a long one. L. iambus: G. iambos: 
from iambizo, to rail or revile ; the iambic measure 
having been originally used only in satire. 

ICHOR. *. A thin, watery humour. G. ichor, raw or 
immature blood. 

ICHTHYOLOGY, s. The science of the nature of 
fishes. G. ichthuologia: comp. of ichthus, a fish, and 
logos, a description. 

ICTERIC AL. adj. AfRicted with jaundice. L. icteri- 
cus: G. ikteros, the jaundice. 

IDEA. s. A mental conception. G.idea: from eido, to see; 
that is, in the mind. 

IDENTITY, s. Sameness. L. identitas : idem, the 
same. 

IDES. s. A term in the Roman kalendar, denoting the 
1 3th day of each month, except in March, May, July, 
and October, in which it relates to the 15th. L. idus. 
The further etymology of this word is so obscure, 
that I will not attempt to display it. 

IDIOM, s. A mode of speech peculiar to a language. 
G. idioma: from idios, peculiar. 

IDIOT. *. A fool. L. idiota: G. idios, deprived. 

IDOL. s. An image worshiped as God; one loved or 
honoured almost to adoration. L. idolum; G. eidolon, 
an image : from eido, to see. 

IGNEOUS, adj. Containing fire. L. igneus: ignis, fire. 

IGNIS-FATUUS. s. A meteor arising from marshes 
or stagnant waters; will-o-the-wisp. L. ignis, fire, and 
fatuus, foolish or flashy. 

IGNITE, v. To kindle. L. ignis, fire. 

IGNOMINIOUS, adj. Disgraceful. L. ignominiosus; 
from ignominia, properly a mark of disgrace prefixed 
to a man's name by the Roman censors: ignavus, 
slothful or cowardly, and nomen, a name. 

IGNORAMUS, s. Signifies « we do not perceive any 
crime;" a verdict of acquittal given by a grand jury; 
L. ignoro, to be ignorant, 



IGN— -1MB 

IGNORANT, adj. Wanting knowledge; untaught. F. 

ignorant: L. ignorans, part, of ignoro, not to know. 
IGNORE, -v. To quash a bill of indictment, by writing 

on it the word ignoramus. — See IGNORAMUS. 
ILLATIVE, adj. Relating to inference or conclusion. 

L. Hiatus, p. part, of infero: comp. of m, into, and/e- 

ro, to bring. 
ILLAUDIBLE. adj. Not deserving praise or approba- 
tion. L. illaudabilis: comp. of in, not, and laudabilis, 

praiseworthy: laudo, to praise. 
ILLEGAL, adj. Not lawful. L. m, not, and legal. 
ILLEGIBLE, adj. Impossible to be read. L. in, not, 

and legible. 
ILLEGITIMATE, adj. Irregular; not born in wedlock, 

L. in, not, and legitimate. 
ILLIBERAL, adj. Not liberal; not generous; sparing. 

L. illiberalis: in, not, and liberalis, genteel, liberal : 

liber, free. 
ILLICIT, adj. Unlawful. L. illkitus: from in, not, and 

liceo, to be lawful. 
ILLITERATE, adj. Unlearned; untaught. L. illitera- 

tus: comp. of in, without, and liters, letters. 
ILLUMINATE, v. To enlighten; to adorn with lights. 

L. illumino: in, into, and lumen, light. 
ILLUDE. v. To deceive, or mock. L. illudo: in, against, 

and ludo, to sport. 
ILLUSION, s. Deception; error. L. illusio. — See IL- 
LUDE. 
ILLUSTRATE, v. To explain. L. illustro: in, con- 
cerning, and lustro, to purify; that is, to free from 

obscurity. 
ILLUSTRIOUS, adj. Conspicuously eminent for good 

qualities; noble. L. illustris, bright. 
IMBECILE, adj. Weak; ineffectual. L. imbecilis,\vedi'k. 
IMBIBE. ~u. To draw in; to absorb; to acquire. L. ira- 

bibo: comp. of in, into, and bibo, to drink. 
IMBRICATED, adj. Indented with cavities; hollowed 

like a gutter-tile. L. imbricis, gen. of imbrex, a small 

canal or gutter to carry off rain : imber, a shower of 

rain. 
IMBUE, -v. To tincture deeply; to furnish completely. 

L. imbuo, to dye, or soak* 



■I 

IMM- IMP 

IMMACULATE, adj. Spotless; pure; without a mo- 
ral blemish. L. immaculatus: from in, without, and 
macula, a spot. 

IMMATURE, adj. Unripe; unfinished; hasty. L. w 3 
not, and mature. 

IMMEMORIAL, adj. Beyond human remembrance, or 
tradition. L. in, not, or without, and memorial. 

IMMENSE, adj. Unlimited; huge. L. immensus; in % 
not, and mensus, (part, of met tor,") measured. 

IMMERGE. v. To immerse. L. immergo; in, within, 
and margo, the brink. 

IMMERSE, v. To dip; to engage deeply. L. immer- 
sum, sup. of immergo. — See IMMERGE. 

IMMINENT, adj. Impending; threatening. L. immi- 
nent; in, towards, and minor, to threaten. 

IMMISCIBLE, adj. Not capable of being intermixed. 
L. in, not, and miscible. 

IMMOBILITY, s. Immoveableness; resistance to mo- 
tion. F. immobilite; L. in, without, and mobilitas, mo- 
bility, or activity ; moveo, to move. 

IMMOLATE. ~u. To sacrifice. L. immolo; comp. of in, 
upon, and moles, a pile. 

IMMORAL, adj. Against the laws of natural religion; 
dishonest. L. in, not, and moral. 

IMMORTAL, adj. Exempt from death; everlasting. 
L. in, not, and mortal. 

IMMUNITY, s. Privilege; exemption. F. immunite; 
L. immunitas: in, without, munus, a reward. 

IMMURE, v. To imprison. L. in, within, and murua, 
a wall. 

IMMUTABLE, adj. Unchangeable; unalterable. L. in, 
not, and mutable. 

IMPALPABLE, adj. Imperceptible by touch. L. in, 
not, and palpable. 

IMPARTIAL, adj. Free from regard to party; just. L. 
in, not, and partial. 

IMPEACH, v. To accuse; to accuse by public autho- 
rity. F. emfiecher, to hinder; because, the accused is 
supposed to be arrested, or obstructed in his usual 
employments and rights. 

IMPEDE, v. To delay; to obstruct. L. imfiedio; from 
in, against, d.n<\ fiedes, (pi. offies,) the feet. 



IMP—IMP 

IMPEND, v. To hang over, as if threatening. L. im- 
pendeo; in, upon, and pendeo, to hang from. 

IMPENITENT, adj. Unrepenting; obdurate. L. in, not, 
and penitent. 

IMPENNOUS. adj. Without wings. L. in, without, 
penna, a quill, or wing. 

IMPERATIVE, adj. Commanding; absolutely required. 
L. imperativus; impero, to command. 

IMPERIAL, adj. Relating to empire, or to an empire, 
in the same manner as regal, or royal, relates to a 
kingdom. L. imperialis; impero, to rule. 

IMPERIOUS, adj. Arrogant; powerful. L. imperio- 
sus; from impero, to rule or command. 

1MPERIUM IjY IMPERIO. One government with- 
in, or subject to, another; exemplified in the relation 
which the several states of America bear to the fede- 
ral government. L. imperium, a government, in, with- 
in, imperio, a government. 

IMPERTINENT, adj. Of no relation to the matter in 
debate; intrusive. L. in, not, and pertinent. 

IMPERVIOUS, adj. Impenetrable, l^.impervius; comp. 
of in, without, and pervium, a passage : per, through, 
and via, a. way. 

IMPETUOUS, adj. Violent; passionate. F. impetueux. 
—See IMPETUS. 

IMPETUS, s. Violent tendency to any point; violent 
effort. L. impetus, natural desire or instinct: impeto, 
to invade; in, into, and/2^0, to desire. 

IMPINGE, v. To strike. L. imping 0; from in, against, 
and pango, to strike. 

IMPIOUS, adj. Irreligious; wicked. L. impius; in, not, 
and pius, religious, or just. 

IMPLACABLE, adj. Not to be appeased. L. i?npiaca- 
bilis; in, not, and placeo, to please. 

IMPLEMENT, s. A tool. L. imfilementwn; from im- 
pleo, to fill, or accomplish, and mens, an intention. 

IMPLETION. s. The act of filling, or state of being 
full. L. imfileo, to fill. 

IMPLICATE. ~o. To entangle; to involve. L. implico; 
in, together, and plico, to knit, or fold. 

IMPLICIT, adj. Inferred; not expressed; resting upon 
another; trusting without reserve or examination. L. 



; 



IMP—IMP 

im/ilicitus; p. part, of implico; in, in, and plico, to 
fold. 

IMPLORE, v. To solicit in a suppliant manner. L. im- 
filoro; in, towards, and ploro, to weep, or cry out. 

IMPLY, v. To include as a consequence or concomi- 
tant. L. imfilico; in, into, and plico, to fold. 

IMPLUMOUS. adj. Without feathers. L. implumis; 
in, without, and pluma, a feather. 

IMPORT', v. To bring from abroad; to imply. L. im- 
fiorto: comp. of in, into, and fiorto, to carry. 

IM'PORT. s. Tendency ; meaning: ///. merchandise im- 
ported. — See the verb. 

IMPORTANT, adj. Momentous; considerable. L. im- 
portans, part, of importo: in, into, and fiorto, to carry; 
meaning, to carry something weighty or effective. 

IMPORTUNE, v. To teaze; to solicit unceasingly. L. 
importunitas, importunity, unreasonableness: in, to- 
wards, and fiorto, to carry; meaning, to carry a solici- 
tation frequently. 

IMPOSE, -v. To lay on as a burthen or penalty; to ex- 
act; to cheat. F. imfioser; L. impositum, sup. of im- 
fiono: in, upon, and pono, to place. 

IMPOSSIBLE, adj. Impracticable. L. in, not, and pos- 
sible. 

IMPOST, s. A tax. F. impost; L. impositus. — See IM- 
POSE. 

IMPOTENT, adj. Powerless; weak. L. impotens; in t 
not, and po tens, (part, of possum,) able. 

IMPRECATE, v. To pray for evil. L. imprecor: in, 
against, and precor, to pray. 

IMPREGNABLE, adj. Not to be entered, or subdued. 
F. imprenable, (formerly impregnable;) L. in, not, and 
prcegno, to fill. 

IMPREGNATE, v. To saturate; to make pregnant. L. 
in, into, and fir eg no, to fill. 

IMPRESS, v. To imprint; to constrain. L. impressum % 
sup. of imprimo; comp. of in, into, and premo, to 
press. 

IMPRIMATUR. A term giving permission to print, 
in countries where the press is not- free, but subject 
to a censor. L. imprimatur ^ "let it be printed :" im~ 
pri?no to print. 



IMP— INC 

IMPROMPTU. A witticism, produced without prepa- 
ration. L. imp.ro mfitu, in readiness. 

IMPUDENT, adj. Immodest; intrusive. L. imfiudens; 
in, without, and pudor, shame. 

IMPUGN. ~o. To oppose. L. imfiugno; in, against, and 
fiugno, to fight. 

IMPULSE, s. Communicated force; motive. L. impul- 
sns, p. part, of imfiello ; in, against, and fiello, to 
drive. 

IMPUNITY, s. Freedom from punishment. F. imfiuni- 
te; L. imfiunitas; in, not, and fiunio, to punish. 

IMPUTE, v. To attribute. L. im/iuto: comp. of in, 
concerning, and put o, to suppose. 

INACCESSIBLE, adj. Not to be reached. L. in, not, 
and accessible. 

INACCURATE, adj. Incorrect. L. in, not, and accu- 
rate. 

INADVERTENCE, s. Carelessness; inattention. L. 
in, not, and advertens, part, of adverto, to turn to : 
ad, towards, and verto, to turn. 

INALIENABLE, adj. Not to be granted or given 
away to another. L. in, not, and alienable.— See ALI- 
ENATE. 

INANIMATE, adj. Without life; dull. L. inanimatus; 
from in, without, and anima, breath, or soul. 

INANITY, s. Emptiness; void space. L. inanitas; ina~ 
nis, empty. 

INAUDIBLE, adj. Not possible to be heard. L. in, not, 
and audible. 

INCANTATION, s. Charms uttered by singing; pre- 
tended enchantment. F. incantation; L. incanto, to 
enchant; in, into, and canto, to repeat often the same 
thing: cano, to sing. 

INCARCERATE, v. To imprison. L. incarcero; from 



in 



into, and career, a prison. 



INCARNATE, adj. Embodied with flesh. L. incarna- 
tus, p. part, of incarno, to embody with flesh : in, into, 
and carnem, accus. of caro, flesh. 

INCARNATION, s. The assumption of body. F. in- 
carnation.— -See INCARNATE. 

INCENDIARY, s. One who burns any thing mali- 



INC— INC 

ciously ; a conspirator. L. incendiarius ; incendo, to set 
on fire. 

IN 'CENSE, s. Perfume exhaled by fire, in honour of 
a deity; flattery. L. incensum; incendo, to set on 
fire. 

INCENSE', v. To enrage. L. incensum, sup. of incendo, 
to set on fire. 

INCENTIVE. s.~ Provocation; incitement. L. incenli- 
■vum; from incendo. — See INCENSE'. 

INCEPTIVE, v. Noting a beginning. L. incefitivus; 
from incifiio, to begin. 

INCESSANT, adj. Unceasing. L. in, not, and cessans^ 
part, of cedo, to desist. 

INCEST, s. Unnatural and criminal connexion of per- 
sons within prohibited degrees of consanguinity. I,. 
incestum; in, not, and castus, chaste, or pure. 

INCINERATE, v. To burn to ashes. L. in, into, and 
cineres, ashes. 

INCISION, s. A cut. L. incisio; incisus, p. part, of j«- 
cido; in, into, and cedo, to cut. 

INCITE, v. To urge on. L. incito; in, to, and citum, 
sup. of cieo, to move. 

INCLEMENT, adj. Unmerciful; severe. L. in, not, 
and clemens, merciful. 

INCLINE, v. To bend, or lean; to be favourable. L. in~ 
clino; in, towards, and clino, to bend. 

INCLUDE. ~u. To comprise. L. includo; in, in, and 
claudo, to shut. 

INCLUSIVE, adj. Comprised. F. inclusif; L. inclu- 
sus, p. part, of includo. — See INCLUDE. 

INCOGNITA. Unknown; applied to a single thing 
of the feminine gender, — as, terra incognita, the un- 
known country; the fair incognita, or unknown fe- 
male: or to several things of the neuter gender. L. 
incognitus; in, not, and cognosco, to know. 

INCOGNITO. A term, abbr. incog., which denotes a 
concealment of the proper person or rank, when tra- 
velling, or in any public place of amusement.-— See 
INCOGNITA. 

INCOHERENT, adj. Unconnected; inconsistent. L. 
in, not, and coherent. 
[13] 



INC— IND 

INCOMMODE, v. To inconvenience. L. incommody; 

in, not, and commodo, to help. 
INCOMPATIBLE, adj. Inconsistent. L. in, not, and 

compatible. 
INCONTINENT. ad/V Variable; inconstant; unchaste. 

L. in, not, and continent. 
INCORPORATE, v. To unite; to form into a corpo- 
ration. L. in, into, and corporate. 
INCORPOREAL, adj. Not corporeal; spiritual. L. in, 

not, and corporeal. 
INCORRIGIBLE, adj. Bad beyond amendment. L. in, 

not, and corrigible. 
INCREMENT, s. Increase; produce. L. increme?itum; 

from incresco, to increase. 
INCUBATION, s. Hatching. L. incubatio; incubo, to 

lie or sit on. 
INCULCATE, v. To impress on the mind by frequent 

repetitions. L. inculco, to drive in. 
INCUMBENT, adj. Lying on; imposed as a duty. L. 

incumbens, part, of incumbo, to lean upon. 
INCUMBENT, s. He who is in possession of a bene- 
fice.— See the adjective. 
INCUMBER. ~v. To oppress; to inconvenience. F. en~ 

combrer; L. incumbo, to lean upon. 
INCUR, v. To become liable to; to cause. L. incurro; 

in, into, and curro, to run. 
INCURSION, s. Inroad. L. incursio; comp. of m, into, 

and cursum, sup. of curro, to run. 
INDECOROUS, adj. Indecent. L. in, not, and deco- 
rous. 
INDEFATIGABLE, adj. Not to be wearied. L. inde- 

fatigabilis; in, not, and defatigo, to weary. 
INDEFEISIBLE. adj. Not to be annulled. F. indefai- 

sible; in, signifying, not, and defaire, to undo. 
INDEFINITE, adj. Unlimited; undetermined. L. in, 

not, and definite. 
INDELIBLE, adj. Not to be blotted out or effaced ; 

never to be forgotten. L. indelibilis; in, not, and deleo, 

to blot out. 
INDEMNIFY, v. To secure against loss. L. in, not, 

and an obsolete English word, damnify; damnum* 

hurt. 



IND—IN© 

INDENT, v. To mark or cut in the form of a row of 
teeth. L. in, after the manner of, and denies, (pi. of 
dens,) teeth. 

INDENTURE, s. A written document, of which there 
is at least one counterpart: from indent; because, the 
several writings, placed one upon another, are in- 
dented, with a knife; so that, when, at any future 
time, laid together again, a forgery can be detected, 
if there appears any disagreement in the parts in- 
dented. 

INDEX, s. A discoverer; a pointer; table of contents. 
L. index: indictus, p. part, of indico,— See INDI- 
CATE. 

INDICATE, v. To show. L. indico: in, concerning, and 
dico, to say. 

INDICATIVE, adj. Showing; simply affirming, as., 
" I love." L. mdicativus.-^See INDICATE. 

INDICES, s. Algebraic quantities. L. indices, pi. of 
index.— See INDEX. 

INDIGENOUS, adj. Originally produced in a country; 
not exotic. L. indigena, a native: G. endon, within, 
and gennao, to produce. 

INDIGENT, adj. Needy; poor. L. indigens, part, of 
indigeo, to be needy. 

INDISPENSABLE, adj. Not to be spared; essentially 
necessary. L. in, not, and dispensable. — See DIS- 
PENSE. 

INDIVIDUAL, adj. Separate from others of the same 
kind ; single. L. individuus: in, not, and divido, to 
divide; meaning, one that cannot be subdivided. 

INDIVISIBLE, adj. Not possible to be divided. L. in, 
not, and divisible. 

INDOLENT, adj. Careless; lazy. L. in, not, and do- 
lens, part, of doleo, to fret. 

INDUBITABLE, adj. Unquestionable; certain. L. in- 
dubiiabilis: comp. of in, not, and dubium, a doubt. 

INDUCE, v. To influence. L. induco: in, towards, and 
duco, to lead. 

INDUCTION, s. A term in logic, expressing a mode 
of argument more tedious than a syllogism ; by which, 
from several particular propositions, we infer one 
general proposition. It is used also to denote the taking- 



IND— INF 

possession of an ecclesiastical living. L. inductio: from 

ihj into, and ductus, p. part, of duco, to lead. 
INDUE, v. To invest; to furnish. L. induo, to put on, 

or cover over. 
INDURATE, -v. To harden. L. induro: from in, into, 

and durus, hard. 
INEBRIATION, s. Intoxication. L. in, into, and ebri- 

etas, drunkenness. 
INERT, adj. Inactive; sluggish; motionless. L. iners: 

in, without, and ars, power, or art. 
INESTIMABLE, adj. Invaluable. L. inestimabilis; in, 

not, and testimo, to value. 
INEVITABLE, adj. Unavoidable; certain. L. inevita- 

bilis: in, not, and evito, to shun. 
INEXORABLE, adj. Not to be entreated; inflexible. 

L. inexorabilis: in, not, ex, from, and orari, (infin. of 

oror,) to be entreated. 
INEXPLICABLE, adj. Incapable of being explained. 

L. i?iexfilicabilis: in, not, and exfilico, to unfold. 
INFALLIBLE, adj. Free from the possibility of error; 

certain. L. in, not, and fallible. 
INFAMOUS, adj. Publicly branded with guilt. L. in- 

famis: in, without, 2,x\dfama, reputation, 
INFANT, s. A young child; in law, a minor. L. infans, 

without speech. 
INFANT, adj. In a state of commencement, — See the 

noun. • 

INFANTICIDE, s. The murder of a child. L. infan- 

ticidium: comp. of infans, a child, and caedo, to kill. 
INFANTRY, s. Foot soldiers. F. infanterie: enfant, 

an infant; meaning, that those soldiers are small, in 

comparison with cavalry. 
INFATUATE, -v. To deprive of understanding. L. in- 

fatuo: in, into, said fat nus, silly. 
INFECT, v. To taint; to pollute. L. infectum, sup. of 

infcio, to stain: in, into, and facio, to make. 
INFER. ~v. To deduce. L. infero: from in, into, and 

fero, to bring. 
INFERIOR, adj. Lower in place; subordinate: L. in- 
ferior, lower: positive, infra, beneath; comp. infe- 
rior, lower; sup. injimus, lowest. 






INF— INF 

INFERNAL, adj. Relating to hell; atrocious. L. in- 
fernus, situated below. 

INFEST, v. To harass. L. infesto, to trouble. 

INFIDEL, s. An unbeliever in regard to religious 
tenets. L. inf delis: in, without, Jides, faith, or belief. 

INFINITE, adj. Unlimited; very large. L. infinities: 
in, not, and finis, an end. 

INFIRM, adj. Tottering; weak. L. in, not, and firm. 

INFLAME, y. To kindle; to provoke. L. injlammo: 
in, into, and fiamma, a flame. 

INFLATE, v. To swell with wind; to fill with the 
breath; to make turgid. L. vifiatum, sup. of injio: 
from in, into, andj^o, to blow. 

INFLECTION, or INFLEXION. 5. The act of bend- 
ing; variation of a noun or verb. L. inflectio, or in- 
Jiexio: from infiecto: in, in, or towards, and Jlecto, to 
bend. 

INFLEXIBLE, adj. Not possible to be bent, or pre- 
vailed on. L. inflexibilis: in, not, and Jlecto, to bend. 

INFLICT, v. To impose as a punishment. L. injlic- 
tum, sup. of injligo: in, upon, and figo, to beat. 

INFLUENCE, s. Power of effecting. L. injluens, part, 
of influo : comp. of in, into, and Jiuo, to flow, or 
proceed. 

INFLUX. s. Act of flowing into. L. influxus, part, of 
infiuo: in, into, and Jiuo, to flow. 

INFOLIATE. -v. To cover with a resemblance of 
leaves. L. in, upon, folium, a leaf. 

IJY FORMA PAUPERIS. In the form of a poor 
man ; a law phrase, to denote a certain privilege 
granted, in the English courts, to those who cannot 
afford the expense of a lawsuit. L. in, in, forina^ 
the form, fiaufieris, (gen. of fiaufier,) a poor man. 

INFRACTION, s. Breach. L. infractio: in, into, and 
fractus, p. part, of frango, to break. 

INFRANGIBLE, adj. Not possible to be broken. L. 
in, not, and frangible. 

INFRINGE, v. To violate. L. infringo; from in, into, 
and frango, to break. 

INFURIATE, -o. To enrage. L. in, into, and'/wna, a 
fury or fiend. 

[13*] 



INF— INJ 

INFUSE, v. To pour into; to inspire. F. in/user; L. m* 
fusum, sup. of in/undo; from in, into, and /undo, to 

pour. 
INGENIOUS, adj. Having genius; inventive. L. in- 

geniosus ; ingenium, capacity, wit: in, in, and G. gen- 

nao, to beget. 
INGENUOUS, adj. Candid; generous. L. ingenuus, 

of good extraction, honest. 
INGRATIATE. ~v. To recommend to kindness. L. in, 

into, and gratia, affection, or favour. 
INGRESS, s. Entrance. L. ingressus; in, into, and 

gressus, part, of gradior, to step. 
INGUINAL, adj. Relating to the groin. L. inguinis, 

gen. of inguen, the groin. 
INHABIT, v. To dwell in. L. in, in, and habito, to 

dwell: habeo, to possess. 
INHALE, v. To draw in [to the lungs.] L. inhalo; 

comp. of in, into, and halo, to breathe. 
INHERENT, adj. Naturally conjoined. L. inhxrens, 

part, of inhcereo; in, in, and hareo, to stick. 
INHERIT, v. To receive or possess by inheritance. F. 

inheriter. — See HEIR. 
INHIBIT, v. To restrain; to prohibit. L. inhibeo; in, 

against, and habeo, to have or hold^ meaning, some 

obstruction. 
INHUMATE. v. To bury. L. inhumo; from in, into, 

and humus, the ground. 
INIMICAL, adj. Hostile. L.inimicus; in, not, and a 

cus, a friend. 
INIQUITY, s. Injustice; crime. F. iniquite ; L. in- 

iquitas ; iniquus, unequal: in, not, and aquus, 

equal. 
INITIAL, adj. At the beginning. L. iniiialis; initium, 

a beginning; in, into, and itio, a going: itum, sup. of 

eo, to go. 
INITIATE, v. To enter; to introduce. L. initio. — See 

INITIAL. 
INJECT, v. To force into. L. injectum, sup. ofinjicio; 

in, into, and jacio, to throw. 
INJUDICIOUS, adj. Unwisely judged, or designed. L. 

in, not, and judicious. 



INJ—INQ 

INJUNCTION, s. Command or rule, associated with 
some business or duty. L. injunctio; injunctus, p, 
part, of injungo; in, with, and jungo, to join. 

INJURE, v. To hurt unjustly; to damage. L. injuria; 
in, against, and juris, gen. of jus, right. 

INNATE, adj. Born with; inherent. L. innatus, part, 
of innascor; in, in, and nascor, to be born, 

INNOCENT.- ad;. Guiltless; innocuous. L. innocens; 
from in, not, and nocens, part, of noceo, to hurt. 

INNOCUOUS, adj. Harmless in effect. L. innocuusj 
in, not, and noceo, to hurt. 

INNOVATE, v. To introduce something new or un- 
common, (which is thought inconvenient or danger- 
ous.) L. innovo; from in, into, and novus, new. 

INNOXIOUS, adj. Free from mischievous effects, or 
from crimes. L. innoxius; in, not, and noceo, to hurt. 

INNUENDO, s. Oblique hint. L. innuendo, by nod- 
ding; abl. gerund of innuo; in, towards, and nuo, to 
nod. 

INNUMERABLE, adj. Not possible to be counted ; ex- 
tremely numerous. L. innumerabilis; comp. of in, not, 
and numero, to reckon. 

INOCULATE, v. To insert a bud or cutting of one 
plant in another ; to insert the virus of the small pox, 
or to vaccinate. L. inoculo; in, into, and oculus, an 
eye ; meaning the eye of the bud. 

INODOROUS, adj. Without perfume. L. inodorosus; 
in, without, and odos, smell. 

INORDINATE, adj. Irregular; disorderly. L. inordina- 
tus; in, without, and ordo, a rule. 

IJV PROPRIA PERSOJVA. In his (or her) own per- 
son; in personal attendance. L. in, in, propria, pro- 
per, persona, person. 

INQUEST, s. Inquiry authorized by law. F. enqneste; 
L. in, into, and quzsitus, p. part, of qucero, to seek or 
inquire. 

INQUIRE, v. To ask a question; to search. L. inquiroj 
in, into, and qucero, to seek. 

INQUISITION, s. Inquest; prison, established under 
papal authority, for the examination and punishment 
of heretics: L. inauisitio. — See INQUEST, 



INS— INS 

INSANE, adj. Of unsound mind. L. insanus; comp. of 
m, not, and sa?ws, healthy. 

INSATIABLE, adj. Greedy, so as not to be satisfied- 
L. insatiabilis: in, not, and satio, to satisfy. 

INSATIATE, adj. Insatiable. L. insatiatus.—See IN= 
SATIABLE. 

INSCRIBE, v. To write in, or on; or to dedicate. L. 
insc?~ibo: from in, in, on, or to, and scribo, to write. 

INSCRIPTION, s. Something inscribed. L. inscrifiiio: 
inscriptus, p. part, of inscribo. — See INSCRIBE. 

INSCRUTABLE, adj. Unsearchable; undiscoverable. 
L. inscrutqfrilis; in, not, and scruto, to explore. 

INSECT, s. A small animal, having a separation in the 
middle of its body, joined by a ligature; as in a com- 
mon fly. L. insectus, notched. 

INSERT, v. To place in, or into, or amongst. L. in- 
sertum, sup. of insero: in, in, and sero, to plant. 

INSIDIOUS, adj. Sly; treacherous. L. insidiosus: from 
insidia, a trap. 

INSIGNIFICANT, adj. Without a meaning; unim- 
portant; contemptible. L. in, not, and significant. 

INSINUATE, -v. To introduce gently; to hint. L. in- 
sinico: from in, into, and sinus, the bosom. 

INSIPID, adj. Not affecting the palate; uninteresting, 
L. insipidus: in, without, and sapor, savour. 

INSIST, v. Not to recede from terms or assertions; to 
persist in. L. insisto; in, in, and sisto, to continue. 

INSOLENT, adj. Contemptuous; haughty. L. inso- 
lens: in, not, and so/ens, part, of soleo, to be accus- 
tomed : (the derivation of this word cannot easily be 
explained.) 

INSOLUBLE, adj. Not soluble; not possible to be 
made fluid. L. in, not, and soluble. 

INSOLVABLE. atf/'.Not solvable; inextricable. L. in> 
not, and solvable. 

INSOLVENT, adj. Unable to pay. L. in, not, and sol- 
vent. 

INSPECT, v. To examine. L. inspecto: in, into, and 
specto, to eye carefully: spectum, sup. of sjiecio, to 
see. 

INSPERSION. s, A sprinkling upon. L. inspersio: 



INS— INT 

ins/iersus, p. part, of insfiergo: in, upon, and aftargfy 

to strew, or sprinkle. 
INSPIRE, v. To breathe into; to animate. L. ins/iiro: 

in, into, and sjiiro, to breathe. 
INSPISSATE, v. To thicken. L. in, into, and s/iissus, 

clammy. 
INSTALL, v. To perform a particular ceremony of 

admitting to an office or dignity. F. installer: en, 

into, and stalle, a seat for dignified clergymen: stalle, 

is from a Saxon word, denoting an enclosed place or 

bench. 
INSTANT, s. A point of time; adj. noting the present 

month. F. instant; L. instans, part, of insto: in, in, and 

sto, to stand. 
INSTANTER. s. Instantly. L.— See INSTANT. 
IN STATU QUO. In the former state; without any 

change. L. in, in, statu, abl. of status, the state, quo, 

abl. of qui, in which [it was.] 
INSTIGATE, v. To urge or incite [to a crime.] L. 

instigo, to urge forward. 
INSTINCT, adj. The desire or aversion which causes 

action without the use of reason. L. instinctus, an in- 
ward motion. 
INSTITUTE, -v. To establish, appoint, or enact. L. in- 

stituo; from in, in, and statuo, to erect. 
INSTRUCT, ~v. To teach ; to direct; to inform; L. in- 

structum, sup. of instruo: in, in, and struo, to pile up, 

or build. 
INSTRUMENT, s. A tool; a machine; a written do- 
cument. L. instrumentum: instruo, to prepare, and 

mens, an intention. 
INSULAR, adj. Relating to an island. L. insularis: in- 
sula, an island. 
INSULATE, v. To make like an island; to remove all 

connexion. — See INSULAR. 
INSUPERABLE, adj. Invincible; insurmountable. L. 

insufierabilis: in, not, and sujiero, to climb over: su- 

fier, above, and eo, to go. 
INTEGER, s. A whole; a whole number. L. integer, 
. entire. 
INTEGRAL, adj. Whole; complete. F. integral. — See 

INTEGER. 



INT— INT 

INTEGRITY, s. State of being undivided; honesty. L. 

integrUas.—See INTEGER. 
INTELLECT. 5. The understanding. L. intellectual 

intelligo, to understand. 
INTELLIGIBLE, adj. Possible to be understood. L. 

intelligibilis: intelligo, to understand. 
INTEND, v. To purpose; to design. L. intendo; comp. 

of in, towards, and tendo, to stretch. 
INTENDANT. s. In France, means a superintending 

officer. F. intendant. — See INTEND. 
INTENSE, adj. Denoting an extreme degree. L. in- 
tensity, p. part, of intendo : in, into, and tendo, to 

stretch. 
INTENT, adj. Anxiously attentive, or diligent. L. in- 

tentus, p. part, of intendo. — See INTENSE. 
INTENTION, s. Purpose, or design. L. intentio. — See 

INTEND. 
INTER, -v. To bury. F. enterrer: L. in, into, and terra. 

the earth. 
INTERCA^AR, or INTERCALARY, adj. Addi- 
tional, to preserve the equation of time; as, the 29th 

of February, in a leap year. L. inter calarins; from in- 

tercalo^ to insert. 
INTERCEDE, -v. To mediate. L. interccdo, to come 

between. 
INTERCEPT, v. To stop on the way. L. intercept 

tum, sup. of intercipio: inter, between, and capio, to 

take. 
INTERCESSION, s. Mediation. L. intercessio: inter- 

cessum, sup. of intercedo. — See INTERCEDE. 
INTERCIPIENT. adj. Intercepting. L. intercipiens, 

part, of intercipio. — See INTERCEPT. 
INTERCOSTAL, adj. Between the ribs. F. in'tercas- 

tal. L. inter, between, and costa, a rib. 
INTERCOURSE, s. Communication. F. entrecours: 

L. inter, between, and curro, to run. 
INTERDICT, v. To forbid. L. interdictum, sup. of 

interdico: inter, between, and dico, to say, or object. 
INTERFERE, v. To interpose. L. inter, between, and 

ferio, to push. 
INTERIM, s. Intervening time. L. interim, in the mean 

time : from inter, between. 



INT— INT 

LNTERIOR. adj. Internal. L. comparative of intra 9 
within: pos. intra; comp. interior; sup. intimus. 

INTERJACENT, adj. Lying between. L. interjacens, 
part, of interjaceo: inter, between, and jaceo, to lie. 

INTERJECTION, s. Interposition; a word used, with- 
out premeditation, to denote some passion or emotion 
of the mind. L. interjectio: interjectus, p. part, of m- 
terjicio: comp. of inter, between, and jacio, to throw. 

INTERLAPSE. v. To intervene (in regard to time.) 
L. inter, between, and lapse. 

INTERLINE, v. To write between lines. L. inter, be- 
tween, and line. 

INTERLOCUTORY, adj. Consisting of dialogue; pre- 
paratory to decision. F. inter locutoire: L. inter, be- 
tween, and locutus, part, of loguor, to speak. 

INTERLUDE, s. An intervening entertainment. L, 
inter, between, and Indus, an entertainment. 

INTERMEDIATE, adj. Intervening; interposed. F. 
inter mediat: L. inter, between, and medius, the mid- 
dle. 

INTERMINABLE, adj. Never ending; immense. L. 
in, not, and terminable. 

INTERMISSION, s. Pause. L. intermissio: inter mis- 
sus, p. part, of intermitto. — See INTERMIT. 

INTERMIT, v. To stop, but not finally. L. intermitto: 
comp. of inter, between, and mitto, to send. 

INTERNAL, adj. Interior. L. internus: intra, within. 

INTERPOLATE, v. To insert, with an evil design. 
L. interfiolo : inter, between, and polio, to make 
smooth; meaning, to remove, by forgery, something 
which opposes our own designs. 

INTERPOSE, v. To place between; to interfere; to 
mediate. L. inter fiositum, sup. of interfiono : inter, 
between, and fiono, to place. 

INTERPRET, v. To explain; to translate. L. inter- 
jiretor: interfires, an interpreter: inter, between. 

INTERREGNUM, s. The term in which a throne is 
vacant. L. interregnum: comp. of inter, between, and 
regnum, a reign. 

INTERROGATE, v. To question. L. interrogc: inter, 
between, and rogo, to ask. 






INT— INT 

IN TERROREM. As a threat, or warning. L. in, 
for the purpose of, and terrorem, accus. of terror, 
fear. 

INTERRUPT, v. To hinder by interposition; to sepa- 
rate. L. interrufitum, sup. of interrum/io: inter, be- 
tween, and rumfio, to break. 

INTERSECT, v. To cut, or pass between. L. inter- 
section, sup. of interseco: comp. of inter, between, and 
seco, to cut. 

INTERSPERSE, v. To scatter amongst. L. inter, 
amongst, and sfiarsum, sup. of sfiargo, to sprinkle. 

INTERSTICE, s. Intervening space, between matter. 
F. interstice: L. interstitium; from inter, between, and 
status, part, of sto, to stand. 

INTERVAL, adj. Intervening space, as regards either 
matter or time. L. intervallum: inter, between, and 
■vallum, a fence. 

INTERVENE, v. To interpose; to elapse. L. interve- 
nio: from inter, between, and venio, to come. 

INTERVENTION, s. Interposition; lapse of time. L. 
interventio; inter, between, and ventum, sup. of ve- 
nio, to come. 

INTESTATE, adj. Without having made a will. L. 
intestatus; in, without, and testatus, part, of testor, 
to witness. 

INTESTINE, adj. Internal. L. intestinus ; intus, 
within. 

INTIMATE, adi. Familiar; near. L. intimus, inner- 
most.— See INTERIOR. 

INTIMATE, v. To hint; to mention indirectly. Low 
L. intimo; intimus, very deep, or secret. 

INTIMIDATE, v. To make fearful. L. in, into, and 
timidus, fearful: timor, fear. 

INTIRE. adj.— See ENTIRE. 

INTOLERABLE, adj. Insufferable. L. in, not, and 
tolerable. 

INTONATION, s. Act of thundering ; an inward tone, 
peculiar to the speech of some nations. L. intono, to 
thunder. 

IJST TOTO. Entirely; wholly. L. in, in, and toto, abl. 
of totus, whole, or wholly. 



INT— -IN V 

INTRANSITIVE, adj. A verb intransitive signifies 

an action, but conveys no effect to any object; as, "I 

walk." L. in, not, and transitive. 
IN TRANSITU. On the passage; whilst passing from 

one place to another. L. in, in, and transitu, abl. of 

transitus, a passage. 
INTREPID, adj. Fearless; daring. L. intrefiidus: from 

in, not, and trefiidus, fearful. 
INTRICATE, adj. Perplexed; obscure. L. intricatus: 

in, in, and tricatus, part, of tricor, to baffle. 
INTRINSIC, adj. Inherent; independent of external 

relation. L. intrinsecus: intra, within, and se, itself, 
INTRODUCE, v. To conduct or usher into a place, 

or to a person; to bring into notice or practice. L. 

introduco: intro, within, and ducc, to lead. 
INTRUDE. v. To enter without permission or invita- 
tion; to interpose with rudeness. L. intrudo: comp. of 

in, into, and trudo, to thrust. 
INTRUSION, s. The act of intruding. L. intrusio: 

intrusum, sup. of intrudo. — See INTRUDE. 
INTUITIVE, adj. Seen by the mind without the agency 

of testimony or argument. Low L. intuitivus: intus, 

within. 
INUNDATE, v. To overflow. L. inundo; in, into, and 

unda, a wave. 
INURE. v. To accustom; to harden. L. inuro ; to 

brand, or print into: from in, into, and uro, to bum. 
INVADE, v. To enter hostilely; to encroach on. L. 

invado: in, into, and vado, to march. 
INVALTD. adj. Weak; of no force. L. invalidus: in, 

not, and valeo, to avail. 
INVALID', s. One disabled by sickness or a wound.— 

See the adjective. 
INVALIDATE, v. To weaken, with regard to evidence; 

to annul.— See INVALID. 
INVASION, s. The act of invading. L. invasio: inva- 

sum, sup. of invado.—- 'See INVADE. 
INVECTIVE, adj. Censure; reproach. F. invective: 

L. invectioi invectus,,^. part, of inveho. — See IN- 
VEIGH. 
INVEIGH, v. To utter an invective. L. inveho ; from 

in, against, and veho, to carry. 
[14] 



1NV— INV 

INVENT, v. To produce something new and ingeni- 
ous; to fabricate. L. inventum, sup. of invenio, to 
find: in, upon, and venio, to come. 

INVENTORY, s. A catalogue. F. inventoire: L. in- 
ventarium; inventum, sup. of invenio, to find: in, to, 
and venio, to come; because, an inventory directs you 
to the articles mentioned. 

INVERSE, adj. Inverted. L. inversus, p. part, of in- 
verto.See INVERT. 

INVERT, u. To reverse ; to place upside-down. L. in- 
vert?: comp. of in, opposite to, and verto, to turn. 

INVEST, v. To dress; to install; to adorn; to enclose, or 
surround. L. investio; in, into, and vestis, a garment. 

INVESTIGATE, v. To examine. L. investigo; in, 
into, and vestigo, to trace. 

INVETERATE, adj. Obstinate from long continu- 
ance. L. inveteratus; in, in, and veteris, gen. of ve- 
tus, old. 

INVIDIOUS, adj. Envious; malignant; producing envy 
or malignancy. L. invidiosus; invidia, envy : in, into, 
and -video, to see or look. 

INVIGORATE, v. To strengthen, or enliven. L. in, 
into, and vigour. 

INVINCIBLE, adj. Unconquerable; insuperable. F. 
invincible; L. in, not, and vinco, to conquer. 

INVIOLATE, or INVIOLATED. adj. Uninjured; 
unbroken. L. inviolatus; from in, not, and violatus, 
(p. part, oiviolo,) hurt. 

INVISIBLE, adj. Imperceptible by the sight. L. in, 
not, and visible. 

INVITE, v. To allure; to ask; to intreat. L. invito; in, 
to, and via, a way. 

INVOCATION, s. Supplication; invitation. L. invo- 
catio.—See INVOKE. 

INVOKE, v. To supplicate; to invite. L. invoco; comp. 
of in, to, and voco, to call. 

INVOLUNTARY, adj. Not desired; not intended. L. 
in, not, and voluntary. 

INVOLUTION, s. Inwrapment; entanglement. L. in- 
volutio ; invohitiiS) p. part, of involvo.— See IN- 
VOLVE. 



INV— 1ST 

INVOLVE, v. Toinwrap; to comprise; to entangle. 

L. involvo; in, in, and volvo, to roll. 
IPSE DIXIT. The ipse dixit of any person, denotes— 

his mere, unsupported assertion. L. ipse, he, dixit; 

said : dico, to say. 
IRASCIBLE, adj. Easily enraged. L. irascibilis. — See 

IRE. 
IRE. s. Wrath; anger. L. ira; from the G. eir, a tem- 
pest. 
IRIS. s. The rainbow; resemblance of a rainbow; the 

circle around the pupil of the eye ; the fleur-de- 

luce. L. iris, the rainbow. G. iris; eiro, to announce. 
IRONICAL, adj. Expressing irony.— See IRONY. 
IRONY, s. A mode of speech, in which the meaning is 

contrary to the words. L. ironia: G. eironeia: eiroj to 

interrogate. 
IRRADIATE, v. To illumine; to brighten. L. irra- 

dio: in, into, and radius, a ray of light. 
IRREFRAGABLE, adj. Not possible to be confuted. 

L. irrefragahilis; in, not, and refractus, p. part, of 

refringo, to break open: re, again, and frango, to 

break. 
IRREFUTABLE, adj. Not to be overthrown by argu- 
ment. L. in, not, and refutable. — -See REFUTE. 
IRRELATIVE, adj. Without relation; unconnected, 

L. in, not, and relative. 
IRRELEVANT, adj. Unassisting; not aptly adduced. 

L>. in, not, and relevant. 
IRRESISTIBLE, adj. Superior to opposition. L. in, 

not, and resistible. 
IRRIGATE, v. To overflow with water, as a means of 

fertilizing. L. irrigo, to water. 
IRRIGUOUS. arfjf.~Moist.-r- See IRRIGATE. 
IRRITATE, v. To provoke. L. irrito. — See IRE. 
IRRUPTION, s. Inroad. L. irrufitio: irruptus, p. part. 

of irrumfio: from in, into, and rumpo, to break. 
ISOLATED, adj. Detached. F. isole: L. solus, alone. 
ISOSCELES, adj. Relating to an angle which has 

only two sides equal. L. isosceles: G. isos, equal, and 

skelos, a leg. 
ISTHMUS, fj. A neck of land which joins a peninsula 



ITE— JOK. 

to a continent. L. isthmus: G. isthmos: istemi, to ap- 
pend. 

ITEM. adv. Also; s. an individual thing. L. item, also. 

ITERATE, v. To repeat. L. itero: ito, to go often. 

ITINERANT, adj. Wandering. F. itinerant: L. itin- 
eris, gen. of iter, a journey: from itum, sup. of eo, 
to go. 

ITINERARY, adj. Relating to a journey. L. itinera- 
rius.See ITINERANT. 



J. 

JACOBIN, s. A member of a noted faction in Paris, 
to whose designs the execution of Louis XVI. is at- 
tributed; so called, from their meeting at a monastery 
w'hich had belonged to Jacobine friars. 

JACOBITE, s. A partisan of James II. of England, 
after his dethronement; and also of his descendants. 
L. Jacobus, James. 

JANUARY, s. The first month. L. Januarius: from 
Janus, a heathen god; to whom, it was consecrated by 
the Romans. 

JAUNDICE, s. A distemper which changes the skin 
and eyes to a yellow colour. F. jaunisse: jaun, yel- 
low. 

JEJUNE, adj. Deficient in matter; unaffecting. 3U je- 
juni's, bare, hungry. 

JELLY, s. A glutinous substance. F. gelee; geler, to 
freeze : L. gelu, frost. 

JET. ' s. A small rapid issue of any fluid. F. jet, from 
jetter, to throw. 

JET D'EAU. s. An artificial water-spout. F. jet, a 
spout, de, of, eau, water. 

JEU D'ESPRIT. A witticism. F. jeu, play, de, of, 
esprit, humour. 

JOCOSE, adj. Facetious; merry. L. jocosus; jocus, a 

J est - . . 

JOCULAR, adj. Facetious. L. j ocularis; jocus, a jest. 

JOCUND, s. Merry; gay. ~L.jocundus; jocus, a jest< 

JOKE. s. A jest, h.joczis, a jest. 



JOL— JUR 

JOLLY, adj. Cheerful; agreeable. F. joli; l^.jovia/is. 

—See JOVIAL. 
JOT. s. An iota; the least quantity imaginable. Iota, 

(*) the smallest letter in the Greek alphabet. 
JOURNAL, s. A diary; a compendium from a mer- 
chant's day-book. F. journal; jour, a day. 
JOURNEY, s. Passage by land. F. journee, a day's 

work, or day's travel: jour, a day. 
JOVIAL, adj. Merry. L. jovialis; from Jovis, gen. of 

Jufiiter. — See the heathen mythology. 
JUBILEE, .s. A time of public hilarity and rejoicing. 

F. jubilc; L. jubilum; from jubeo, to appoint; jubi- 
lees having been ordered by the Roman government. 
JUDICATURE, s. Power of distributing justice; court 

of justice. F. judicature See JUDICIAL. 

JUDICIAL, adj. Relating to courts of law. L. judici- 

alis; judex, a judge. 
JUDICIARY, adj. Relating to judicature. L. judicia- 

rius.—See JUDICIAL. 
JUDICIOUS, adj. Wisely judged ; prudent. F. judi- 

cieux; L. judicis, gen. of judex, a judge. 
JUGULAR, adj. Belonging to the throat. L. jugulum, 

the throat. 
JUNCTION, s. Joining; union. L. junctio; junctus, 

p. part, oijungo, to join. 
JUNCTURE. 5. The critical point of time in which 

two events seem to meet. L. junctura; juncturus, 

future part, of jungo, to join. 
JUNE. s. The sixth month. L. Junius; from Juno, the 

imaginary wife of the heathen deity, Jufiiter. 
JUNIOR, adj. The younger. L. junior, younger ; compar. 

of juvenis, young. 
JURE DIVIJVO. By divine law. L. abl. of jus, and 

divinus. 
JURE HUMANO. By human law. L. abl. of jus, and 

humanus . 
JURIDICAL, adj. Acting, or used, in the distribution of 

justice. L. juridicalis; juridicus, a judge: juris, gen. 

of jus, right. 
JURISDICTION, s. Legal authority; extent of power. 

h.jurisdictio; horn juris, gen. of jus, law, and dictio, 

a declaration. 

[14*] 



JUR— LAC . 

JURY. s. An assembly of persons sworn to discover 

and declare the truth. F.juri; L,.juro, to swear. 
JUSTICE, s. Equity; punishment, (opposed to mercy;) 

a judge. F. justice; L. jus, right. 
JUSTIFY, v. To clear from imputed guilt; to defend, 

F. justifier; L. Justus, right, and/aczo, to make. 
JUVENILE, adj. Youthful. L. juvenilis; juvenis, 

young. 
JUXTAPOSITION, s. Proximity. L. juxta, near to, 

and position. 



KALEIDOSCOPE, s. An optical instrument invented 
by Brewster of Edinburgh, which gives to substan- 
ces placed within it an almost unlimited variety of 
beautiful appearances. G. kalos, beautiful, idea, form? 
and skofieo, to view. 



LABIAL, adj. Uttered by the lips. L. labialis; from 
labium, a lip. 

LABORATORY, s. A chemist's work-room. F. labo- 
ratoire: L. laboro, to labour. 

LABORIOUS, adj. Fatiguing; diligent. L. laborio- 
sus; from labor, labour. 

LABOUR, s. Painful exertion of strength; work; tra- 
vail. F. labeur; L. labor, labour. 

LACERATE, v. To tear. L. lacero, to tear. 

LACHRYMAL, adj. Generating tears. L. lachryma, 
a tear. 

LACHRYMATORY, s. A vessel in which tears were 
gathered in honour of the dead. L. lachryma, a tear, 

LACONIC, adj. In few words; brief. L. laconicus; 
from Laconia, the country of the Spartans; who deli- 
vered their sentiments in few words. 

LACTARY. adj. Milky; having milk. L. lactarius: 
Jac, milk. 



LAC— LAT 

LACTATES. 5. Salts formed from the lactic acid. L* 

lac, milk. 
LACTEAL, adj. Milky; conveying chyle of the colour 

of milk. s. L. lac, milk. < 

LACTEOUS. adj. Milky. L. lacteus: lac, milk. 
LACTESCENT, adj. Producing milk, or a white juice 

resembling milk. L. lactescens, part, of lactesco; lac, 

milk. 
LAITY, s. The people, as distinguished from the cler- 
gy .—See LAY. 
LAMBENT, adj. Gliding over gently. L. lambens, part. 

of lambo, to lick. 
LAMBDOIDAL. adj. Having the form of the Greek 

letter a, lambda. 
LAMINAE, s. Thin plates or layers. L. lamina, plural 

of lamina, a thin plate of metal. 
LANGUAGE, s. Human speech; national tongue; ex- 
pression. F. langage; L. lingua, a tongue. 
LANGUID, adj. Faint; feeble. L. languidus; from 

langueo, to languish. 
LANIGEROUS. adj. Bearing wool. L. laniger; from 

lana, wool, and gero, to bear. 
LANUGINOUS. adj. Downy; covered with soft hair. 

L. lanuginosus; from lanugo, down. 
LAPIDARY, s. One who deals in gems, or finishes 

them. F. lapidaire; L. lapis, a stone. 
LAPIDEOUS. adj. Stony; of the nature of stone. L. 

lafiideus; lafiidis, gen. of lapis, a stone. 
LAPIDE SCENT, adj. Growing or turning to stone. 

L. lapidescens, part, of lapidesco; lapis, a stone. 
LAPSE, s. Flow; period passed; small error. L. lap- 
sus, part, of labor, to glide, or slip. 
LARCENY, s. Petty theft. F. larcin, theft; L. latroci- 

nium, a trap. 
LARYNX, s. The windpipe or trachea. G. larunx, the 

throat. 
LASCIVIOUS, adj. Lewd. L. lascivus; laxus, loose, 

—See LAX. 
LASSITUDE, s. Weariness. L. lassitudo, from laxus. 

loose, unstrung. 
LATENT, adj. Concealed. L. latens, part, of lateo, to 

lurk, 






LAT— LEC 

LATERAL, adj. Relating to the side; or to a motion 
from side to side. L. lateralis; from latus, a side. 

LATINISM. 5. A mode of speech peculiar to the La- 
^. tin language. • 

LATITAT, s. A writ, issuing from the King's Bench, 
in England; which supposes the defendant to be con- 
cealed. L. latitat, (from latito,') he lurks, 

LATITUDE. <?. Breadth; extensive range; distance 
from the equator. L. latitude* ; from latus, broad: la- 
tus, (p. part, of fero^) borne, or carried; that is, ex- 
tended. 

LATITUDINARIAN. s. One Avho thinks or acts 
without restraining himself. L. latitudo. — See LATI- 
% TUDE. 

LAUD. s. To praise; to extol. L. laudo, to praise. 

LAUDABLE, adj. Praiseworthy. L. laudabilis; from 
laudo, to praise. 

LAUNDRY, s, A house, or room, in which clothes are 
washed. F. lavanderie; L. lavo, to wash. 

LAUREAT, or LAUREATE, adj. Decked with a 
laurel, or supposed to be so honoured. L. laureatus; 
laurea, a laurel-tree, or garland of laurels. 

LAVATORY, s. A medicinal wash.— -See LAVE. 

LAVE. -v. To wash, to bathe. L. lavo, to wash. 

LAVISH, adj. Prodigal. L. lavo, to throw or shake off. 

LAX. adj. Loose; slack; vague, s, a looseness, or diar- 
rhoea. L. laxns, loose. 

LAXITY, s. Looseness; slackness; want of precision. 
L. laxitas. — See LAX. 

LAY. adj. Regarding the laity. G. laos, the people. 

LAYMAN, s. One who is not a clergyman.— ——See 
LAY. 

LEAGUE, s. A confederacy; a combination, either of 
interest or friendship. F. liguej L. ligo, to bind. 

LEAVEN, s. That which raises bread, and is usually 
called yeast or barm ; something which makes a gen- 
eral change in the mass; in general, denoting cor- 
ruption. F. levain; L. levo, to raise. 

LECTURE, s. An instructive discourse. F. lecture; 
L. lego, (legere,) to select, or to read. A lecture as 
distinguished from a sermon, seems to denote selec- 
uonj being explanatory of several passages of Scrip- 



LEG— LEN 

ture, and not referring to a particular text. In gene- 
ral, the term alludes to reading. 

LEGACY, s. Something assigned by a last will. L. le- 
gation; from lego, ( legare,) to bequeath. 

LEGAL, adj. Lawful. L. legalis; from legis, gen. of 
lea:, a law. 

LEGATE, s. An ambassador; a papal ambassador or 
commissioner. L. legatus; from lego, to intrust. 

LEGATEE, s. One to whom a legacy has been willed. 
L. legatum, a legacy. — See LEGACY. 

LEGEND, s. A chronicle of the lives of saints; any 
memorial or relation; any inscription, particularly on 
coins and medals. L. legenda, [things] to be read: 
from lego, (leg ere.) 

LEGER. s. A compendium of mercantile accounts, con- 
tracted and arranged from the journal. L. lego, to ga- 
ther. 

LEGERDEMAIN, s. Slight of hand. F. legeret<?; nim- 
bleness, de, of, main, the hand. 

LEGIBLE, adj. Such as can be read. L. legibilis; from 
lego, to read. 

LEGION, s. A Roman battalion, consisting of about 
five thousand men. L. legio; from lego, to collect. 

LEGISLATOR, s. One who makes laws. L. legisla- 
tor; leges, laws, and latum, sup. of fero, to carry, or 
propose. 

LEGITIMATE, adj. Regular; proper; born in wed- 
lock. L. legitimus, lawful ; from legis, gen. of lex, a 
law. 

LEGUMINOUS, adj. Of the pulse kind, as beans and 
peas; such as are not reaped, but gathered by the 
hand. L. legumen, pulse; from lego, to gather. 

LENIENT, adj. Assuaging; mild; merciful. L. leni- 
ens, part, of lenio, to assuage ;\lenis, mild. 

LENITIVE, s. Something to ease pain. F. lenitif.-~> 
See LENITY. 

LENITY, s. Mildness; tenderness. L. lenitas: lenis, 
mild. 

LENS. s. An optical glass which is convex on two 
sides. L. lens, a kind of pulse, called lentil,—- from a 
resemblance of that glass to the form of its seed. 



LEN— LEV 

LENTICULAR, adj. Of the form of a lens. F. lenti- x 

culaire: L. lentis, gen. of /ctz-s. — See LENS. 
LENTIFORM. ew#. Having the shape of a lens. L> 

lentis, of a lens, andybr7«a, figure. 
LENTI GINOUS. adj. Scurfy ; partaking of the lentigo*. 

L. lentiginosus. — See LENTIGO. 
LENTIGO, s. A freckly or scurfy eruption on the 

skin, L. from lends, gen. of lens, a kind of pea or 

pulse called a lentil. 
LEO. s. One of the twelve signs of the zodiac. L. leo, 

a lion. 
LEPER, s. One having the leprosv. —See LE- 
PROSY. 
LEPROSY, -s. A disorder which covers the body with 

a kind of white scales. L. lepra; G. lepra: leprosy 

scabby. 
LEPROUS, adj. Infected with leprosy. L. leprosu^. — 

See LEPROSY. 
LESSON, s. Any thing read or repeated to a teacher; 

precept ; portion of scripture read in divine service. E. 

legon: L. lectio: lego, to read. 
LETHARGY, s. A morbid drowsiness. G. lethargia; 

from lethe, forgetfulness, and argos, slothful, dull. 
LETTER, s. One of the elements of a syllable; ani?£ 

epistle; literal meaning. F. lettre; L. litera, a letter. 
LEVATOR, s. A surgical instrument, for raising de- 
pressed parts of the skull. L. levator: from leva, to 

lift. 
LEVEE. s. An assemblage of persons at a court; an 

artificial bank of a river. F. levee, from lever, to 

raise. 
LEVEN. s. — See LEAVEN; which is the most com- 
mon, though not the most correct, mode, of spelling 

the word. 4. 

LEVER, s. One of the. mechanical powers. F. levier: 

L. ievo, to lift. 
LEVIGATE, v. To reduce to very fine powder; to 

mix until a liquor becomes smooth and uniform. L. 

lavigo: from Levis, or levis, smooth. 
LEVITY, s. Lightness; unsteadiness; trifling gaiety 

L. levitas; from levis, light. 



LEV— LIC 

LEVY, v. To raise, — applied to money or an army. F. 

lever: L. levo, to raise. 
LEXICOGRAPHER, s. A writer of dictionaries. G. 

lexicon, a dictionary, and grafiho, to write. 
LEXICON, s. A dictionary. G. lexicon; lexis, a word, 

and eikon, a representation, or image. 
LEX NATUR2E. The law of nature. L. lex, a law, 

and natura, gen. of natura, nature. 
LEX JYOJY SCRIP TA. Unwritten law; the Common 

Law of England. L. lex, a law, non, not, scrifita, (from 

scribo,) written. 
LEX SCRIP TA. Written or statute law. L. lex, a 

law, scrifita, (from scribo,) written. 
LEX TALIOJYIS. The law of retaliation ; as, « an 

eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." L. lex, a law, and 

talionis, gen. of talio, like for like. 
LIBATION, s. Wine poured on the ground in honour 

of a heathen god. L. libatio: G. leibo, to pour out. 
LIBEL, s. A defamatory writing; a species of proceed- 
ing in law. L. libellus, a little book, a lampoon; from 

liber, a book. 
LIBERAL, adj. Becoming a gentleman; munificent; 

generous. L. liberalise from liber, free. 
LIBERATE, v. To set free. L. libero; from liber, free. 
LIBERTINE, s. A licentious person. F. libertin; L. 

liber, free, uncontrouled. 
LIBERTY, -s. Freedom ; privilege. L. libertas; from 

liber, free. 
LIBIDINOUS, adj. Lewd. L. libidinosus: libido, lust; 

G. leibo, to pour out. 
LIBRA, s. One of the signs of the zodiac. L. libra, a 

balance. 
LIBRARY. s. A place for books ; a large collection of 

books. L. liber, a book. 
LIBRATION. s. The state of being balanced. L. libra- 

tio; libra, a balance. 
LICENSE, s. Permission; permission allowed by oneself 

beyond a proper limit. L. licentia; from liceo, to be 

lawful. 
LICENTIATE, s. One who has obtained a collegiate 

degree. L. licentia, permission. 



LIC—LIQ 

LICENTIOUS, adj. Unrestrained by law or moral 
feeling. L. licentiosus; from licentia, arbitrary license, 

LICTOR. s. A person who attended the Roman con- 
suls, to apprehend or punish criminals. L. lictor; pro- 
bably from ligo, to bind. 

LIEGE, adj. Subject; sovereign. F. lige ; L. ligo, to 
bind. 

LIENTERY. s. A species of bodily looseness, or di- 
arrhoea. F. lienterie; G. leion, smooth, and enteron, 
an intestine. 

LIEU. In lieu, means in the place of. F. lieu, place, 
stead. 

LIEUTENANT, s. A deputy; an officer next in rank 
to a captain. F. from lieu, place, or stead, and tenant, 
part, of tenir, to hold. 

LIGAMENT, s. That which connects. L. ligamentum; 
from ligo, to bind. 

LIGATURE, s. A bandage. L. ligatura; from ligo, to 
bind. 

LIGNEOUS, adj. Partaking of wood. L. ligneus; lig- 
num, wood. 

LIMIT, s. Boundary; utmost reach. F. limite: L. l& 
mes, a boundary. 

LIMPID, adj. Transparent. L. limpidus. — See LYMPH. 

LINEAL, adj. Composed of lines; descending in a di- 
rect family line. L. linealis; from linea, a line. 

LINEAMENT, s. Feature. L. line amentum; from li- 
nea, a line. 

LINGUADENTAL. adj. Uttered by the combined ac- 
tion of the tongue and teeth. L. lingua, a tongue, and 
dens, & tooth. 

LINGUIST, s. One skilled in languages. L. lingua, a 
tongue or language. 

LINIMENT, s. A species of ointment. L. linimentum; 
from linio, to rub softly. 

LIPOTHYMY. s. A swoon. G. leifiothemia; comp. of 
leifio, to fail, and thumos, the mind. 

LIQUATION, s. The act of melting; capacity to be 
melted. L. liquo, to melt. 

LIQUEFY, v. To become liquid. L. liquejio; from li- 
quor, a fluid, and Jio, to become. 



LIQ— LOB 

LIQUESCENT, adj. Melting; of a melting nature* 
L. liguescens, part, of liquesco, to grow liquid : liquo> 
to melt. 

LIQUID, adj. Fluid; soft. L, liguidus: liqueo, to melt. 

LIQUIDATE, v. To lessen a debt by degrees. L. li- 
queo, to dissolve. 

LIQUOR, s. Any thing fluid; vulgarly, intoxicating 
drink. L. liquor.'— See LIQUID. 

LITANY, s. A form of prayer. G. litaneia, a suppli- 
cation. 

LITERAL, adj. Not figurative; following the words 
precisely ; consisting of letters. L. litera, a letter. 

LITERARY, adj. Relating to letters, or learning. L. 
literarius; from liter ae, letters, or learning : litera, a 
letter. 

LITERATI, s. The learned. L. pi. of literatus, learned; 
from liter &, letters. 

LITERATIM, s. Letter by letter. L. literatim; from 
litera, a letter. 

LITHOGRAPHY, s. The art of engraving on stone. 
G. lit ho s, a stone, and grafiho, to write. 

LITHONTRIPTIC. adj. Medicine for dissolving the 
stone in the kidneys or bladder. G. lithos, a stone, and 
tribo, to waste or digest. 

LITHOTOMY, s. The art of cutting for the stone. G. 
lithos, a stone, and temno, to cut. 

LITIGATE, -u. To contest in law. L. litigo; comp. of 
lites, pi. of lis, strife, and ago, to make. 

LITIGIOUS, adj. Fond of lawsuits. L. litigiosus. — See 
LITIGATE. 

LITTER, s. Straw for cattle to lie on; a bed for carry- 
ing a sick or luxurious person; a brood of young, 
(supposed to be in a bed.) F. litiere; lit, a bed. 

LITURGY, s. Form of prayers; form of public devo- 
tion. G. litourgia; litos, humbly supplicating, and er- 
gon, a work. 

LIVID, adj. Discoloured as with a blow. L. lividus; 
from liveo, to be black and blue, or pale and wan. 

LIXIVIUM, s. A fluid impregnated with a salt. L. lix- 
ivium; from lix, lie made with ashes. 

LOBE. s. In anatomy, any fleshy, protuberant part, as 
[15] 



LOG— LUB 

the lobes of the lungs, the lobes of the ears. G. lo- 
bos, the lower part of the ear. 

LOCAL, adj. Relating to place; in a particular place; 
F. local: L. locus, a place. 

LOCATE, v. To establish in a particular place. L. lo- 
co; from locus, a place. 

LOCOMOTION, s. Act of moving from one place to 
another. L. loco, (abl. of locus,) from a place, and mo- 
tion. 

JLOCUM TENENS. A deputy; a temporary substi- 
tute. L. locum, a place, and tenens, holding: (locus 
and teneo.J 

LOCUS SIGILLI, or L. S. The place of the seal. 
L. locus, a place, and sigilli, gen. of sigillum, a seal. 

LOGARITHMS, s. A species of arithmetic invented 
by lord Napier. G. logos, a ratio, and arithmos, a 
number. 

LOGIC, s. The art of reasoning. L. logice: G. logos, a 
word, speech, or thought. 

LOGOMACHY, s. A contest in, or about, words. G. 
logomachia; comp. of logos, a word, and mache, a 
battle. 

LONGEVITY, s. Length of life. L. longtvus, long- 
lived; from longus, long, and evum, time. 

LONGIMETRY. s. The art of measuring distances. 
L. longus, long, and G. metreo, to measure. 

LONGITUDE, s. Length; distance from east to west. 
L. longitudo; from longus, long. 

LOQUACIOUS, adj. Talkative. L. loquacis, gen. of 
loquax, talkative: loquor, to speak. 

LORICATED. adj. Plated over, in the manner of a 
crocodile. L. lorica, a coat of mail. 

LOTION, s. A medicinal wash. L. lotio: from lotum, 
sup. of lave, to wash. 

LOUIS-D'OR. s. A golden coin of France. F. Louis, 
(the king's name,) de, of, or, gold. 

LOYAL, adj. Obedient to a prince, or to the national 
laws; faithful. F. loyal; from hi, a law. 

LUBRICITY, s. Slipperiness, or smoothness; instabi- 
lity. F. lubricite; L. lubricus, gliding. 

LUBRIFACTION. s. The act of making slippery or 
smooth. L. lubricus, gliding, and facio, to make, 



LUC— LUS 

LUCENT, adj. Shining; splendid. L. lucens, part, of 
luceo, to shine. 

LUCID, adj. Shining; perspicuous. L. lucidus: from 
luceo, to shine. 

LUCRATIVE, adj. Profitable. L. lucrativus; from lu- 
crum, gain. 

LUCRE. s. Gain; money. This is a vulgar word, and 
always used in a degrading sense. F. lucre; L. lucrum, 
gain. 

LUCUBRATION, s. Nocturnal study. L. lucubratio; 
from luce, (abl. of lux,) with light; — meaning candle- 
light. 

LUDICROUS, adj. Exciting laughter. L. ludicer; from 
ludus, sport. 

LUGUBRIOUS, adj. Mournful. L. lugubris; lugeo, to 
mourn. 

LUMBAGO, s. Pain in the loins and small part of the 
back. L. lumbi, the loins, and ago, to move. 

LUMINARY, s. That which emits light. L. luminare; 
from lumen, light. 

LUNACY, s. A species of mental derangement, erro- 
neously supposed to be influenced by the moon; mad- 
ness in general. L. luna, the moon. 

LUNAR, adj. Relating to the moon. L. lunaris; from 
luna, the moon. 

LUNARIAN, s. An inhabitant of the moon. L. luna, 
the moon. 

LUNATIC, s. One afflicted by lunacy.— See LUNACY. 

LUNATION, s. A revolution of the moon. L. luna, the 
moon. 

LUPERCAL. s. A feast observed in Rome, at the 
place where Romulus and Remus were said to have 
been suckled by a wolf. L. lufiercal; from lujia, a fe- 
male wolf. 

LUSTRATION, s. Religious purification by water, or 
other sacrifice. L. lustratio. — See LUSTRUM. 

LUSTRE, s. Brightness, or glitter; renown. F. lustre: 
L. lustro, to purify. 

LUSTRUM, s. The religious purgation or cleansing of 
Rome, every fifth year; hence, lustrum is used to de- 
note a period of four years. L, 



LUS— MAG 

.LUSUS NATURJE. An irregular production of na- 
ture ; as an animal born with five legs, in place of four. 
L. lusus, a play or freak, naturae, (from natural) of 
nature. 

LUTARIOUS. adj. Living in mud. L. lutarius: from 
_ lutum, mud. 

LUTING, s. Clay, or a composition, with which the 
joints and apertures of chemical utensils are closed. 
F. lut, L. lutum, clay. 

LUXURIANT, adj. Exuberant. L. hixurians; from 
luxuria, extravagance : luxo, to loosen. 

LYMPH, s. A transparent, colourless fluid. L. lymphcu 
a poetical term for water. 

LYMPHE'DUCT. s. In anatomy, a vessel which con- 
veys the lymph. L. lymfiha, lymph, and ductus, a 
guidance: duco, to lead. 

LYRE. s. A harp. F. lyre; L. lyra; G. lura. 

LYRIC, adj. Relating to poems intended for the harp; 
sentimental pieces of music. L. lyricus. — -See LYRE, 



M. 

MACERATE, v. To make lean; to wear away. L. ma- 
cero; from macer, lean. 

MACHINATION, s. Artifice; malicious design. L. 
machinatio ; from machina, an engine. — See MA- 
CHINE. 

MACHINE, s. An engine. L. machina; G. machane, 
a project or endeavour; quickness or advantage. 

MACULA, s. A spot. L. (pi. macules.) 

MADRIGAL, s. A pastoral song; any light, airy, short 
song. F. madrigal; L. mandra, a hovel for cattle. 

MAGAZINE, s. A store-house, generally for muni- 
tions of war; a miscellaneous pamphlet, (imagined as 
a literary store-house.) F. magazin: G. magos, wise. 

MAGIC, s. Pretended sorcery or enchantment. L. ma- 
jice; G. magos, wise. 

MAGISTERIAL, adj. Relating to a magistrate. L. ma- 
jister, a master; from major, greater. 

MAGISTRATE, s. A man publicly invested with le- 
gal authority. L. ?nagistratus: magister^ a master. 



MAG— MAL 

MAGNA CHARTA. s. The charter of English liber- 
ties, obtained from king John, by the barons, in 1215. 
L. magna, (fern, of magnus,) great, and charta, (pro- 
nounced carta,) paper. 

MAGNANIMITY. *. Greatness of mind ; bravery. L. 
magnanimitas ; comp. of magnus, great, and animus, 
the mind or soul. 

MAGNIFICENT, adj. Grand; splendid. L. magniji- 
cus: from magnus, great, and facio, to make. 

MAGNIFY, v. To make great; to increase to the eye; 
to exaggerate. L. magnificio ; from magnus, great, and 
facio, to make. 

MAGNITUDE, s. Bulk; dimension. L. magnitudo; 
from magnus, great. 

MAIL. s. A coat of steel net-work to protect the body; 
any armour; a postman's bag, or that which covers 
and protects the letters; a carriage in which the mail 
is conveyed. F. maille, the mesh of a net. 

MAIN. adf. Principal; chief; leading. Old F. magne: 
L. magnus, great. 

MAIN. s. A continent, or great tract of land; an ocean, 
or great sheet of water. — See the adjective. 

MAINPRISE, s. Delivery into the custody of a friend, 
upon security given for appearance; bail. F. main, a 
hand, and firise, possession: prendre, to take. 

MAINTAIN, v. To preserve; to keep; to support. F. 
maintenir: main, a hand, (that is, in the hand,) and 
tenir, to hold: L. manus, and teneo. 

MAJESTIC, adj. August; grand; splendid. L. majes- 
tas, superiority, majesty : from major, compar. of mag- 
nus, great. 

MAJOR, adj. Greater; used generally before fiart. L. 
major, greater; compar. of magnus, great. 

MAJOR, s. An officer next above a captain. L. major, 
greater. 

MAJORITY, s. The greater number; commission or 
rank of major.— See MAJOR. 

MALADY, s. Disease. F. maladie: mal, evil: L. malum. 

MALA FIDE. With a design to deceive. L. abl. of 
malus, bad, and Jides, faith. 

MALATES. s. Salts formed by a combination of any 
base with the malic acid. — See MALIC. 
| 15*] 



MAL— MAN 

MALCONTENT. *. A discontented or dissatisfied per- 
son. F. mal-co7itent: mal, ill, and content, contented, 

MALEDICTION, s. Curse. L. maledictio: from ma- 
lus, evil, and dictio, an expression. 

MALEFACTOR, s. A criminal. L. male, wickedly, and 
facia, to do. 

MALEVOLENT, s. Malignant. L. malevolus; from 
male, wickedly, and volo, to wish. 

MALIC, adj. Malic acid is obtained from the juice of 
apples. L. malum, an apple. 

MALICE, s. Evil design. F. malice: L. malitiaj from 
malum, wickedness. 

MALICE PREPENSE. Evil intention, previously che- 
rished.— See MALICE and PREPENSE. 

MALIGN, adj. Evii-disposed ; malicious - r pestilential. F, 
matigne; L. malignus: malus, evil. 

MALIGNANT, adj. Malicious. F. malignant: L. ma- 
lignus; from malum, wickedness. 

MALLEABLE, adj. Capable of being spread by ham- 
mering. F. malleable: L. malleus, a hammer. 

MALLET, s. A wooden hammer, with two heads. F> 
maillet: L. malleus, a hammer. 

MAL UM IJY SE. Evil in itself, as murder. Some 
actions are evil only when prohibited by law, as the 
killing of game, if unprivileged, which is malum pro- 
hibitum* L. malum, (neuter of malus,) evil, in, in, se- y 
itself. 

MANACLES, s.. Handcuffs. F. manicles: L. manica; 
manus, a hand. 

MANAGE, -v^ To. conduct ; to make tractable. F. me- 
nager: main, the hand, and agir, to act. L. manus, 
and ago. 

MANt)AMUS. s. A writ granted by the king of Eng- 
land. L. mandamus, (from mando,) we command. 

MANDATE, s. A command; a commission. L. man- 
datum; from mando, to command, or give in charge. 

MANEGE, s. A place for training horses; a riding 
school. F. manege.-- See MANAGE. 

MANES, s. The immortal part, or spirit. L. manes, 
which appears to be derived from maneo, to remain. 

MANGE, s. A scorbutic disease amongst brutes. F. 
manger, to eat; meaning to penetrate the skin. 



MAN— MAR 

MANGER, s. The trough or vessel in which cattle are 
fed. F. mangeoire: manger, to eat. 

MANIA, s. Raving or furious madness; generally pre- 
vailing adoption of something new. G. mania, rage. 

MANIAC, s. One highly deranged '-in mind. — See MA- 
NIA. 

MANOR, s. Land granted by a sovereign to a person 
of great merit, as an estate or permanent place of re- 
sidence. Old F. manoir: L. maneo, to remain. 

MANSION, s. The house erected on a manor; a house 
adapted for a permanent residence; place of abode. 
L. mansio, a continuance: mansum, sup. of maneo.— - 
See MANOR. 

MANTELET, s. A kind of pent -house, used by a be- 
sieging army, to cover the miners and pioneers from 
the enemy's shot. F. mantelet: Old F. mantel, a cloak. 

MANUAL, adj. Performed by the hand. L. manualis; 
from manus, a hand. 

MANUAL. s. A small book, such as may be easily car- 
ried in the hand. — See the adjective. 

MANUFACTURE, v. To form by art and labour. F. 
manufacturer; L. manu, (abl. of manus,') by the 
hand, and facio, to make. 

JVIANUMIT. v. To release from slavery. L. manu- 
mitto; comp. of manu, (abl. of manus,) from the hand, 
and mitto, to send away. 

MANUSCRIPT, s. Something written by the hand,— 
not printed. L. manus crifitum: manu,{2fo\.oi ma?ius,) 
by the hand, and scrifitus, p. part, of scribo, to write. 

MARCH, s. The third month. L. Martius; from Mars, 
the god of war; to whom, it was dedicated by the Ro- 
mans. 

MARGIN, s. The brink, or border. L. mar go, the 
brink. 

MARINE, adj. Belonging to the sea. L. marinusj from 
mare, the sea. 

MARINER, s. A seaman.— See MARINE. 

MARITAL, adj. Relating to a husband. F. marital; L, 
maritus, a husband. 

MARITIME, adj. Relating to the sea. L. maritimus-i 
from mare r the sea. 



MAR— MAT 

MARRY, v. To perform the ceremony of marriage; 
to take in marriage. F. marier: L. marito, to wed. 

MARTIAL, adj. Warlike; relating to war. F. martial: 
L. martialis; Mars, the god of war. 

MARTYR. 8. One who is put to death for holding a 
particular opinion. F. martyr: G. martur, a witness; 
because, by his death, he bears witness to the truth of 
his belief. 

MARTYROLOGY. s. A register of martyrs. F. mar- 
tyr , a martyr, and G. logos, a description. 

MARVELLOUS, adj. Wonderful. F. marveilleux; 
merveille, wonder: meriter, to deserve, and -veiller, to 
notice. 

MASCULINE, adj. Relating to males. L. masculinus; 
from mas, a male. 

MASSACRE, s. Extensive and indiscriminate slaugh- 
ter. F. -massacre; L. massa, a heap, and sacrum, a 
sacrifice. 

MASSIVE, or MASSY, adj. Bulky; ponderous. F mas- 
sif: L. massa, a heap. 

MATERIAL, adj. Consisting of matter; corporeal, not 
spiritual; important; essential; necessary. L. materu 
aiis; materia, matter, or that of which any thing is 
made; mater, a mother: G. mater, a mother. 

MATERIALIST, s. One who denies the existence of 
spiritual substances.— See MATERIAL. 

MATERIA MEDICA. A general name for all sub- 
stances used in medicine; a book which treats of these 
substances. L. materia, matter, and medica, (fern, of 
medicus,) pertaining to physic. 

MATERNAL, adj. Motherly; pertaining to a mother, 
L. maternus ; mater, a mother. G. mater, a mother. 

MATHEMATICS, a. That science which contemplates 
whatever can be numbered or measured. G. mathema-- 
tike; from mathema, science. 

MATIN, adj. Relating to the morning. F. matin, morn- 
ing. 

MATINS, s. Morning worship. I<\ matines.—See MA- 
TIN. 

MATRICE. s. A mould; an instrument used by en- 
gravers and letter -founders? on which is engraved a 



MAT— -MEA 

figure to be struck into the metal, or the letter to be 
cast.— See MATRIX. 

MATRICIDE, s. Murder of a mother. L. matricidium; 
comp. of mater, a mother, and ccsdo, to kill. 

MATRICULATE, v. To admit as a member of a uni- 
versity; to enrol. L. matrix, a womb, and latum, sup. of 
fero, to bring. A college is thus compared to a mother. 

MATRIMONY. s. Wedlock. L. matrimonium; from 
mater, a mother. 

MATRIX. s. The womb; also, an instrument used in 
the formation of letters, Sec. by engravers and type- 
founders. L. matrix; G. mater, a mother. 

MATRON, s. An elderly lady; a wife. L. matrona; 
from mater, a mother. 

MATTER, s. Substance; purulent discharge; subject; 
consequence; importance. L. materia; from mater, a 
mother : G. mater. 

MATURE, adj. Ripe. L. maturus, mellow. 

MAUSOLEUM, s. A splendid tomb. L. from Mauso- 
lus, king of Caria; for whom, a famous funeral monu- 
ment was erected by his queen, and called The Mau- 
soleum. 

MAUVAISE HONTE. Excessive bashfulness. F. mau- 
■vaise, evil, honte, shame, or confusion. 

MAXIM, s. An axiom; a general principle; a leading 
truth. F. maxime: L. maximus, greatest. 

MAXIMUM, s. The highest rate, opposed to minimum, 
L. maximum, (neuter of maximus,^) the superl. of mag- 
nus, great: pos. magnns, great; compar. major, great- 
er; superl. maximus, greatest. 

MAY. s. The fifth month. L. Maius; from Maia, the 
mother of Mercury. 

MAYOR, s. The chief magistrate of a town. F. maire; 
L. major, greater. 

MEAGER, adj. Lean; weak; emaciated. J\ maigre; L. 
Tnacer, lean. 

MEANDER, v. To move in a serpentine course. 
Meander, a river in Phrygia, remarkable for its wind- 
ing. 

MEASURE, s. Standard of measurement; degree, or 
quantity; means; musical time; metre. F. mesure: 



MEC— - MEM 

L. menaura; mensus, part, of metior, to measure: G. 
metreo. 

MECHANICS, s. The science of the power and con- 
struction of machines. G. mechane, art. 

MEDAL, s. A piece of metal bearing a memorial of 
some meritorious or remarkable performance ; and in- 
tended as a present to the achiever. F. medaille: from 
the Saxon med, signifying reward. 

MEDALLION, s. Something resembling a medal. F. 
medallion, — See MEDAL. 

MEDIATE. ~v. To intercede. L. medius, middle; — a 
mediator stands between two persons. 

MEDIATELY, adv. By a secondary cause.— -See ME- 
DIATE. 

MEDIATOR, s. An intercessor.-— See MEDIATE. 

MEDICAL, adj. Relating to the art of healing. L. me- 
dicus: G. medeo, to govern. 

MEDIOCRITY, s. Middle rate. L. mediocritas; from 
medius, middle. 

MEDITATE, v. To contemplate. L. mcditor: G. me- 
deo, to govern, or take care of. 

MEDIUM, s. Any thing intervening; a middle degree; 
means. L. medium, the middle. 

MELANCHOLY, s. A disease, arising from a heavy 
state of the blood; a gloomy, pensive temper. G. me- 
lanos, gen. of melas, black, and chole, bile. 

MELIORATE, v. To improve; to ameliorate. L. me- 
lior, better. 

MELLIFEROUS, adj. Producing honey. L. mellifer: 
mel, honey, and fero, to bring. 

MELLIFLUOUS, adj. Sweetly flowing. L. mel, honey, 
and Jl uo, to flow. 

MELLOW, adj. Pleasingly ripe; soft. L. met, honey. 

MELODY, s. Sweetness of musical sound. G. melodia; 
from meli, honey. Musical harmony relates to the 
agreement of sounds. 

MEMBRANE, s. A delicate web used in the human 
structure. L. membrana, a film. 

MEMENTO, v. Remember; s. a memorial. L. me- 
mento, remember; imper. of the defective v. memini 

MEMOIR, s. A familiarly written history. F. memoire. 
L» memoro, to remember. 



; 



MEM— MER 

MEMORANDUM, s. A note to aid the memory. L. 
memorandum, to be remembered; part, of ?nemoro, to 
remember. 

MEMORIAL, s. A monument; a remembrancer; a 
written address, such as reminds of services and soli- 
cits a reward. F. memorial; L. memorialis: memoro, 
to remember. 

MEMORY, s. The faculty of recollecting things past; 
recollection. L. memorial from memoro, to remem- 
ber. 

MENACE, v. To threaten. F. menacer: G. menio, to 
be angry. 

MENAGE, or MENAGERIE. *. A place for wild 
animals. F. from menager, to manage, or take care of. 

MENDACITY, s. Falsehood. L. mendax, lying. 

MENDICANT, s. A beggar. L. mendicans, part, of 
mendico, to beg; comp. of mendacium, a falsehood, 
and dico, to say. 

MENDICITY, s. The state of a beggar.— See MEN- 
DICANT. 

MENIAL, adj. Belonging to the retinue or train of ser- 
vants; befitting a servant. F. mesnie, an old French 
word, signifying a low servant. 

MENSAL. adj. Relating to the table. L. mensalis: 
mensa, a table. 

MENSTRUAL, adj. Monthly; relating to a menstru- 
um. F. menstrual; L. mensis, a month. 

MENSURATION, s. The science or act of measur- 
ing. L. mensura, a measure See MEASURE. 

MENTAL, adj. Intellectual. F. mentale: L. mentis, 
gen. of mens, the mind. 

MEPHIT1C. adj. Ill-smelling: noxious. L. me/ihitis, a 
bad smell. 

MERCANTILE, adj. Commercial.. L. mercans, part, 
ot mercor, to buy. 

MERCENARY, adj. Hired; too fond of gain. L. mer- 
cenarius; from merces, wages. 

MERCER. «. A dealer in cloths. F. mercier; L. mercor, 
to buy. 

MERCHANT, s. One who traffics. F. marchand; L. 
inercans: mercor t to purchase. 



MER— MET 

MERETRICIOUS, adj. Alluring by false show. L. me- 
retricius; from meretrix, a harlot. 

MERCURY, s. Quicksilver. L. Mercurius, called, in 
English, Mercury; the most subtle of all the heathen 
gods. 

MERGED, v. Nearly included. L. mergo, to immerse, 

MERIDIAN, s. The point of noon; a geographical line 
drawn from north to south, and passing through all 
those places which have noon at the same time. F. 
meridien; L. meridies, noon; probably, from medius, 
middle, and dies, a day 

MERIT, s. Desert. L. meritum; from mereo, to earn. 

MERMAID, s. An animal resembling the human form, 
said to exist in the sea. F. mer, the sea, and maid. 

MERSION. s. The act of sinking or plunging below 
the surface. L. mersio; from mersum, sup. of mergo, 
to plunge. 

MESSIEURS, s. Sirs; gentlemen. F. plural of mon- 
sieur, sir. 

METALLURGY, s. The art of working or preparing 
metals. L. metallum, metal, and G. ergon, work. 

METAMORPHOSE, v. To change the form. G. me- 
tamorfihob; comp. of meta, against, and morfihe, form. 

METAPHOR, s. A similitude; a simile, usually com- 
prised in one word. G. meta/ihora; meta, signifying 
from one place, or thing, to another, and fihoreo, to 
carry. 

METAPHRASE, s. A strict, verbal translation. G. me- 
tafihrasis: meta, signifying from one place, or thing, 
to another, and fihrasis, a phrase. 

METAPHYSICS, s. That part of philosophy which 
considers the nature and properties of thinking beings, 
&c. G. metafihusike; from meta, through, and fi/iusis, 
nature. 

METASTASIS. s. Translation or removal. G. meta- 
stasis: from meta, across or opposite to, and stasis, a 
situation. 

METE. v. To measure. L. metior; G. metreo, to mea- 
sure. 

METEMPSYCHOSIS. *. Transmigration of the soul 
from one body to another. G. ?netemfisuchosis: from 
meta % from one place to another, and fisuche, the soul. 



MET— MIL 

METEOR, s. A transitory body. G. meteora; from me- 
to, from place to place, and aeiro, to raise. 

METEOROLOGICAL, adj. Relating to the doctrine of 
meteors; and to the changes of weather. Meteor, and 
G. logos, a description. 

METHOD, s. The placing of several things, or per- 
forming several operations, in the most convenient 
manner; mode, or manner. G. methodos: meta, with, 
and odos, a way. 

METONYMY, s. A rhetorical figure, founded on the 
several relations of cause and effect, container and 
contained, sign and thing signified : as, when we say, 
" he is reading Locke," the cause is put for the ef- 
fect; meaning " the works of Locke." G. metonumia; 
meta, against, and onoma, a name. 

METRE, s. Language confined to a certain number, 
and harmonic disposition, of syllables; verse. G. me- 
tron, a measure. 

METROPOLIS, s. A chief city. L. metropolis; G. me- 
ter, a mother, and polls, a city. 

METROPOLITAN, s. An archbishop. G. from me- 
tropolis; supposing that the chief city was the princi- 
pal see. 

MIASMA, s. Contagious particles arising from distem- 
pered or poisonous bodies. G. miasma; from miano, 
to infect. 

MICROCOSM, s. The little world. Man is so called, 
from a fanciful analogy to the world itself. G. mikros, 
little, and kosmos, the world. 

MICROMETER, s. An instrument for measuring small 
spaces. G. mikros, small, and metreo, to measure. 

MICROSCOPE, s. An instrument for viewing small 
objects. G. mikros, small, and skopeo, to view. 

MIGRATE, v. To remove to another country. L. mi- 
gro, to remove. 

MILE. s. The Roman mile was called mille passus, a 
thousand paces or steps; hence, the English mile, 
though it contains 1760 yards. 

MILIARY, adj. In medical language, means small, re- 
sembling a millet-seed : a miliary fever produces 
small eruptions. F. miliaire: L. milium, a millet-seed. 
[16] 



MIL— MIN 

MILITANT, adj. Fighting; engaged in spiritual war- 
fare. L. militans, part, of milito, to go alighting: from 
miles, a soldier. 

MILITARY, adj. Belonging to the profession of a sol- 
dier; relating to war. L. militarise from miles, a sol- 
dier. 

MILITIA, s. Citizens and peasantry trained for na- 
tional defence. L. militia, soldiery; from miles, a sol- 
dier. 

MILLE. s. In the federal arithmetic of the United 
States of America, is the thousandth part of a dollar. 

F. mille; L. mille; a thousand. 
MILLENNIUM, s. A thousand years; a certain period 

of time anticipated by some Christians. L. mille, a 
thousand, and annus, a year. 
MIMIC, s. A ludicrous, or servile imitator. L. ?ni?nicus; 

G. mimos, an imitator. 

MINATORY, adj. Threatening. L. minor, to threaten. 
MINERALOGY, s. The science of minerals. Comp. of 
the Eng. mineral, and G. logos, a description. 

MINIATURE, s. A representation in a small compass. 
F. miniature. — This word, in accordance with the 
size of the painting, appears to come from the L. 
minuo, to lessen; but, in relation to its orthography, 
and to the mode of execution, the French word may 
have been derived from miniatus, part, of the L. minio, 
to colour with vermilion. 

MINIMUM, s. The lowest rate; opposed to maximum. 
L. minimum, (neuter of minimus^) the superl. of par- 
vus: pos. parvus, little; compar. minor, less; superL 
minimus, least. 

MINION, s. A court -favourite ; a mean dependant. F. 
mignon, a darling. 

MINISTER, s. An agent; one who acts under another; 
a clergyman, or high civil officer. L. minister, a ser- 
vant, or assistant : minor, less. 

MINISTER, v. To attend; to manage; to perform; to 
supply. L. ministro. — See the noun. 

MINOR, adj. Petty; smaller. L. minor, less. 

MINOR, s. One under the age when he can lawfully 
manage his own affairs. L. minor, less, or younger. 

MINOTAUR, s. A monster imagined by the poets, 



MIN— MIS 

half man and half bull. L. Minotaurus; from Minos, 
a king of Crete, and taumcs, a bull. — See Ovid's Me- 
tamorphoses. 

MINUS, s. Less; insufficient; in electricity, opposed to 
plus. L. minus, less. 

MINUTE', adj. Small; precise. L. minutus, diminished; 
from minuo, to lessen. 

MIN'UTE.' s. The sixtieth part of an hour. L. minitfus. 
—See MINUTE'. 

MIN'UTE. v. To record briefly.— See MINUTE'. 

MINUTIiE. s. Minute parts; trifles. L. pi. of minu- 
tia; minutus, p. part, of minuo, to make less; minor, 
less. 

MIRACLE, s. A wonder; something above human 
power. F. miracle; L. miraculum; from miror, to 
wonder. 

MIRROR. s. A looking glass. F. miroir; L. miror, to 
admire. 

MISANTHROPE, s. One disgusted with mankind. G. 
mis ant hr o^ios; misso, to hate, and anthrofios, a man. 

MISCELLANEOUS, adj. Various. L. misctllaneus ; 
from ?nisceo, to mix. 

MISCIBLE. adj. Possible to be mingled. L. misceo, to 
mix. 

MISER, s. Originally, signified a wretched or unhappy 
person, in general; but now, means one who is ex- 
tremely covetous of money, and wretched from the 
fear of poverty. L. miser, wretched. 

MISERABLE, adj. Wretched. F. miserable.— See MI- 
SER. 

MISNOMER, s. In law, signifies a wrong name. F. 
from mis, denoting error, and nom, a name. 

MISOGAMIST. s. A marriage-hater. G. miseo, to hate,, 
and gamos, marriage. 

MISPRISION, s. In law, signifies neglect, negligence^ 
or oversight. Old F. ?ncs/iriser, to disdain; or mes- 
prendre, to*mistake. 

MISSILE, adj. Thrown; designed to be thrown. L. 
mis si lis; from ?nissus, p. part, of mitto, to send. 

MISSION. 8. Commission; the office of persons com- 
missioned or employed. L. missio; from missus, p. pari r 
of mitto, to send. 



MIT— MOL 

MITIGATE, v. To assuage; to soften. L. mitigo; fron* 

mitis, meek. 
MITRE, s. A bishop's crown. L. ?nitra, a bonnet, or 

turban. 
MITTIMUS. .?. A magistrate's order for imprison- 

raent. L. mittimus, we send; being the first word in. 

the old Latin writs. 
MIXTILINEAR. s. Consisting of aline, or lines, partly- 
straight and partly curved. L. mixtus, mixed, and li- 

nealis. — -See LINEAL. 
MNEMONICS, s. The science of artificial memory. 

G. mnemc?iikes, relating to the memory: mnaomai,\.o 

remember. 
MOBILITY, s. Capacity of being moved; activity; in 

cant language, the populace. F. mobilize; L. mob Hit as: 

moveo, to move. 
MODE. s. Manner; method; form; fashion. F. mode; 

L. modus, a due proportion, method, manner. 
MODEL, s. A pattern. F. modele.—Sec MODE. 
MODERATE, adj. Not excessive; temperate; middling. 

L. ?noderatus. — See MODE. 
MODERN, adj. According to the present mode; m 

conformity with the present mode; recent; not ancient. 

F. moderne. — See MODE. 
MODEST, s. Having a proper deportment; not impu- 
dent; chaste. F. viodeste: L. modestus: modus, a due 

proportion. 
MODIFY, v. To conform; to qualify. F. modifier; L. 

modus, a manner, and facto, to make. — See MODE. 
MODULATE, v. To form sound to a certain key, or 

to certain notes. L. modular; from modulus, a mea- 
sure: modus, a rule. 
MODUS, s. A due proportion, neither more nor less; 

measure; limits; rule. L. 
MODUS OPERANDI. The method or manner of 

operating. L. modus, a method, operandi, (gerund, of 

ofieror,) of working. 
MOIETY, s. Half. F. moitie; from moyen, the middle. 
MOLE'CULE. s. The molecules of bodies are those 

ultimate particles which cannot be decomposed by 

any chemical means. F. molecule, a dim in. formation. 

from the L. moles, a mass. 



MGL—MON 

MOLEST, v, To disturb, or vex. F. molester; L. mo* 

lestia, trouble : G. molos, labour. 
MOLLIENT. adj. Softening. L. molliens, part, of mol- 

lio, to soften. 
MOLLIFY, v. To soften. L. mollis, soft, and Jio, to be 

made. 
MOMENT, s. Force; importance; consequence; in- 
divisible particle of time. L. momentum; momen, a 

motion. 
MOMENTOUS, adj. Important; of consequence. L. 

momentosus. — See MOMENT. 
MONANDRIA. s. A genus of plants, distinguished by 

one male stamina. G. monos, single, and andria, vi- 
rility. 
MONARCH, s. An emperor, or a king. G. monarchos; 

from monos, alone, and arche, government. 
MONASTERY, s. Place of religious retirement. L. 

monasterium: G. monos, alone. 
MONITION, s. Advice. L. monitio; from moneo, to 

advise. G. monos, alone, — that is, in private. 
MONITOR, s. One who gives advice; a scholar ap- 
pointed to watch over his fellows. L. monitor; from 

moneo, to advise. 
MONK. s. A man secluded in a monastery. Derived, 

through the Saxon, from the G. monachos, solitary; 

monos, alone. 
MONODY, s. A poem in which only one person is 

introduced as speaking. G. ?nonos, alone, and ode, a 

song. 
MONOGAMY, s. Marriage of one wife; opposed to 

polygamy. G. monos, one, and gameo, to marry. 
MONOLOGUE, s. A soliloquy. G. monos, alone, and 

logos, a word, or speech. 
MONOPOLIZE, v. To engross. G. monos, alone, and 

fioleo, to sell. 
MONOPTOTE. s. A noun used only in one oblique 

case. G. monos, one, and ptosis, a case. 
MONOSYLLABLE, s. A word of one syllable. G. mo- 

nos, one, and syllable. 
MONOTONY, s. Disagreeable repetition of the same 

sound. G. monotonia; monos, one, and to nos, a tone 

or note. 

[16*1 



MON~~MUC 

MONSTER. s. 'IThe primary meaning of this word was, 
something ominous; something- which was supposed 
to show or foretel; as, an eclipse of the sun, a comet, 
or unusual colour of the moon : but, the word Mon- 
ster now denotes something formed contrary to the 
general rules of nature, or any thing extremely 
large. F. inonstre; L. monstrum: monstro, to show, 

MONUMENT, .5. A memorial. L. monumentum; from 
moneo, to bring to remembrance, and mens, the mind. 

MOOD, or MODE. s. Manner; a term of logic and of 
grammar. — See MODE. 

MORAL, adj. Relating to human conduct; proper; 
honest. L. moralis; from moris, gen. of mos, a man- 
ner. 

MORBID, adj. Diseased. L. morbidus; from morbus, 
sickness. 

MORDANT, s. A substance, such as alum, or iron ? 
which has a chemical affinity for another substance; 
and with which cloth or yarn is prepared before 
dyeing. F. mordant; sharp, acrid; from mordre, to 
bite : L. ?nordeo. 

MOROSE, adj. Peevish; sullen. L. morosus; from mor- 
deo, to bite. 

MORTAL, adj. Subject to death; causing death. L> 
mortalis; from mors, death. 

MORTGAGE', s. Security on lands, Sec. F. mort, dead, 
and gage, a pledge. 

MORTIFY, v. To destroy the vital principle ; to sub- 
due inordinate passions; to vex. F. mortifier: L. mor» y 
death, and facto, to make, or cause. 

MORTMAIN, s. Such a state of possession as makes 
it unalienable ; whence, it is said to be in a dead hand. 
F. morte, dead, and main, a hand. 

MOTIVE, s. That which incites. L. motivus: rnoto, to 
move. 

MUCILAGE, s. A slimy or gummy substance. F* mu- 
cilage.— See MUCUS. 

MUCILAGINOUS, adj. Having the quality of muci- 
lage. From mucilage, and the L. genus, a sort. 

MUCOUS, adj. Viscous; slimy.— See MUCUS. 

MUCULENT. adj. Viscous; slimy.— See MUCUS. 



MUC—MUR 

MUCUS, s. That which issues from the nose; a viscous 

fluid. L. 
MULCT, v. To punish by fine or forfeiture, L. mulcto 9 

to fine. 
MULCTUARY. adj. Imposing a fine.— See MULCT. 
MULTIFARIOUS, adj. Having great diversity; vari- 
ous. L. multifer; comp. of multus, many, and fero, 

to bear. 
MULTIFORM, adj. Having various forms. L. multi- 
formis; from multus, many, and forma, & shape. 
MULTILATERAL, adj. Having many sides. L. from 

multus, many, and latus, a side. 
MULTIPAROUS. adj. Producing many at a birth. L. 

multiparus ; from multus, many, and pario, to bring 

forth young. 
MULTIPEDE. s. An insect with many feet. L. mut- 

tipeda; from multus, many, and pedes, pi. of pes, a 

foot. 
MULTIPLY, v. To increase; to find the product of 

arithmetical factors. L. multiplico ; from multus, many, 

and plico, to fold. 
MULTITUDE, s. A great number; the vulgar. L. 

multitudo; multus, many. 
MULTUM IJV PARVO. Much in little space. L. 

multum, neuter of multus, much, in, in, fiarvo, abl. of 

parvus, little. 
MUNDANE, adj. Belonging to the world. L. munda- 

nus; from mundus, the world. 
MUNICIPAL, adj. Belonging or relating to a corpo- 
ration. L. municipalise from municipium, a privileged 

city, — munus, a gift, and capio, to hold. 
MUNIFICENCE, s. Liberality. L. munificentia} from 

munus, a gift, and/ccio, to make. 
MUNITION, s. Ammunition; materials for war. L. 

munitio; from munio, to strengthen. 
MURAL, adj. Pertaining to a wall. L. muralis; from 

murus, a wall. 
MURIATES, s. Salts formed by the combination of 

any base with muriatic acid. — See MURIATIC. 
MURIATIC, adj. Having a chemical basis of salt. L, 

muria, salt water. 



MUS—MYT 

MUSEUM, s. A repository of curiosities. L. museum; 
G. mouseion, a place dedicated to the Muses : from 
mousa, a Muse. 

MUSIC, s. Instrumental or vocal harmony. L. ?nusica; 
G. mousike; from mousa, a Muse. 

MUTABLE, adj. Changeable; inconstant. L. mutabi- 
lis; from muto, to change. 

MUTATIS MUTAJYDIS. After making the neces- 
sary changes: (inflections of the L. ??iuto, to change.) 

MUTE. adj. Silent. L. mutus, dumb; G. muttos; from 
?nuo, to shut. 

MUTILATE, v. To deprive of some essential part. L. 
mutilo: muto, to change, or transform. 

MUTINY, v. To form a plan of insurrection; to rise 
against authority. F. mutiner; L. ??iutus, silent; be- 
cause mutinies are organized in silence. — See MUTE. 

MUTTON, s. The flesh of a sheep. F. ?nouton, a 
sheep. 

MUTUAL, adj. Reciprocal. L. mutuus; from muto, to- 
exchange. 

MYRIAD, s. A vast number. G. ?nurias, ten-thousand. 

MYRMIDON, s. A ruffian; a mercenary bravo. G. 
murmedon; from the Myrmidones, a people who fol- 
lowed Achilles to the Trojan war. 

MYSTERY, s. Something shut or hidden from the 
knowledge of the people, and known only by the an- 
cient priests; something beyond human comprehen- 
sion. L. mysterium; G. musterion; ?nuo, to shut. 

MYSTIC, or MYSTICAL, adj. Sacredly obscure, as 
distinguished from mysterious, which applies to com- 
mon obscurities; secret; emblematical. L. ?nysticus. 
—See MYSTERY. 

MYTHOLOGY, s. System of fables; explication of the 
fabulous history of heathen gods. F. mythologie; G» 
muthos, a fable, (from muo, to shut,) and logos, a 
description. 



NAR— NEG 



N. 



NARCOTIC, adj. Promoting; sleep. G. narko-o, to 

stupefy. 
NARRATE, v. To relate. L. narro, to tell. 
NASAL, adj. Relating to the nose. L, nasus, the nose. 
NATAL, adj. Native; relating to nativity. L. natalis; 

from natus, part, of nascor, to be born. 
NATION, s. A people, distinguished from another 

people, by place of birth, &x.; a country. F. nation; 

L. «ario.-^-See NATAL. 
NATIVE. 'ad/. Produced by nature; natural; relating 

to the place of birth, or production: s. one born in 

a' particular country. L. nativus.— See NATAL. 
NAUSEOUS, adj. Loathsome, lu.nauseosus: G.nausia^ 

sea-sickness; from nans, a ship. 
NAUTICAL, adj. Relating to sailors; naval. G. nau* 

tikos; from naus, a ship. 
NAVAL, adj. Relating to ships; pertaining to a navy. 

L. navalis. — See NAVY. 
NAVIGATE, v. To pass by water; to steer. L. navi- 

go; from navis, a ship, and ago, to move. 
NAVY. s. A national fleet. L. navis, a ship: G. naus; 

from nao, to glide. 
NEBULOUS, adj. Cloudy. L. nebulosus; G. nefihos, 

a cloud. 
NECESSARY, adj. Needful; essential. ~L.necessarius; 

from ne, not, and cessum, sup. of cedo, to depart, or 

resign. 
NECROMANCER, s. One who pretends to converse 

with the dead; a conjurer. G. nekros, dead, and man- 
tis, a prophet. 
NECTAR, s. A delightful drink. G. nektar, the fabled 

beverage of the gods. 
NEFARIOUS, adj. Criminal; abominable. L. nefari- 

us; from nefas, a wicked action: which is from ne, 

not, and fas, right. 
NEGATIVE, adj. Not affirmative; not positive. L. ne- 

gativus; from nego, to deny: ne, not, and ago, to do, 



NEG—NIS 

NEGLECT, v. To omit by heedlessness; to slight. L\ 
neglectum, .sup. of negligo : ner, not, and lego, to 
choose. 

JYEGLIGE'E. s. A sort of gown, worn as an undress. 

F. neglige, part, of negliger, to neglect. 
NEGLIGENCE, s. Habit of neglect; carelessness. F. 

negligence. — See NEGLECT. 
NEGOTIATE, v. To traffic; to treat. L. negotium, 

time of business; comp. of nee, not, and otium, lei- 
sure. 
NEGRO, s. A black man. Spanish, negro; L. niger, 

black. 
JYEM. COjY. An abbreviation of nemine con tradicente; 

"no person opposing or disagreeing." L. nemo, no 

one, and contradico, to speak against. 
NEM. DISS. An abbreviation of nemine dissentiente, 

and expressing the same meaning as nem. con. L. 

nemo, no one, and dissentio, to disagree in opinion. 
NEPHRITIC, adj. Belonging to the organs of urine; 

troubled with the stone ; remedial against the stone. 

G. nefihritikos: from nephros, a rein or kidney. 
NEPHROTOMY, s. The operation of opening the kid- 
neys; the operation of cutting for the stone. G. ne- 
fihros, a kidney, and temno, to cut. 

JVE PLUS ULTRA. Utmost degree. L. ne, not, plus, 
more, ultra, beyond. 

NEPOTISM, s. Fondness for nephews. F. nefiotisme: 
L. nefios, a nephew. 

NEUROLOGY, s. Description of the nerves. G. neu- 
ron, a nerve, and logos, a description. 

NEUROTOMY, s. The anatomy of the nerves. G. neu- 
ron, a nerve, and temno, to cut. 

NEUTER, adj. Neutral; indifferent; neither male nor 
female. L. neuter, neither. 

NEUTRAL, adj. Indifferent; not concerned in a war 
between other states; chemically inactive. L. neutral- 
is.— See NEUTER. 

NIGRESCENT, adj. Growing black. L. ?iigrescens; 
part, of nigresco: niger, black. 

NISI-PRIUS. In England, a judicial writ, by which 
a sheriff is to assemble a jury at Westminster Hall, 
on a certain day; unless, before that day, the king's 



NIT— NON 

judges go into the sheriff's county, to determine 
causes. This intention may now be considered as a 
mere fiction. L. nisi, unless, prius, before. 

NITROGEN, s. The principle of nitre; the chief in- 
gredient of atmospheric air. L. nitrum, nitre, and G> 
gennaa, to generate. 

NOCTURNAL, adj. In the night. L. nocturnus; from 
nose, night. 

NOLENS VOLENS. Willing or unwilling. L. no- 
lens, (part, of nolo,) unwilling; and volens, (part, of 
volo,) willing : the conjunction, signifying or, is un- 
derstood, and the order of the Latin is reversed in the 
English translation. 

NOLLE PROSEQUI. To be unwilling to proceed; 
a form used in law, when the plaintiff declines pro- 
ceeding further; or when the Attorney-general wishes 
to withdraw an action. L. nolle, to be unwilling, 
prosequi, to proceed, or prosecute: from nolo, and 
prosequor. 

NOMENCLATURE, s. Mode of giving names; a vo- 
cabulary. L. nomenclatures: nomen, a name. 

NOMINAL, adj. Referring to names, rather than 
things; titular; not real. L. no?ninalis; from nomen, 
a name. 

NOMINATE. ~o. To appoint by name. L. nomino, from 
nomen, a name. 

NOMINATIVE, s. First case in grammar. L. nomi- 
nativus; from nomen, a name; because it primarily 
displays the original word, or name of any thing. 

NONAGE, s. Minority of years. L. non, not, and age. 

NON ASSUMPSIT. He did not assume, or under- 
take; a plea, in law, opposed to assumpsit. L. 

NONCHALANCE, s. Carelessness; supineness; indif- 
ference. F. 

NON COMPOS MENTIS. Not of sound mind; a 
phrl e opposed to compos mentis. L. 

NONCONDUCTOR, s. In philosophy, that which does 
not conduct the electric fluid, heat, sound, Sec. L. non, 
not, and conductor. 

NONCONFORMIST, s. A dissenter. L. non, not, and 
conform. 



NON— NOT 

NONENTITY, s. A creature of the imagination. L. 
non, not, and ens, a being. 

NONES, s. Certain days of the Roman Kalendar, — 
the 7th day of March, May, July, and October, and 
the 5th of the remaining months. L. nonce. 

NON EST INVENTUS. In law, signifies, « he has 
not been found:" the phrase is familiarly used to de- 
note a sudden disappearance, or concealment/ L. est, 
he is, non, not, inventus, found: (non, sura, and m- 
senior.) 

NONEXISTENCE, s. Negation of existence; a thing 
not existing. L. non, not, and existence. 

NONJUROR, s. One who refuses to swear allegiance. 
L. non, not, axidjuro, to swear. 

NONPAREIL, s. That which cannot be matched; ex- 
cellence unequaled. F. non, not, and fiareil, a match : 
L. non, and fiar. 

NONPLUS, s. Inability to proceed; alow word. L. non, 
not, and/z/ws, more. 

NONSUIT, v. To deprive of the benefit of a legal pro- 
cess, in consequence of some failure in the manage- 
ment. L. non, not, and suit. 

NOSOLOGY, s. Doctrine of diseases; G. nosos, a dis- 
ease, and logos, a description. 

NOTA BENE, or N. B. « Observe this particularly." 
N. B. is often used instead of P. S. or postscript; but 
a careful writer will avoid this impropriety. L. nota, 
(imper. of noto,) mark, bene, well. 

NOTABLE, adj. Remarkable. — (vulgarly, careful.) L. 
notabilis; from noto, to mark. 

NOTARY, s. An official recorder. L. notarius; from 
noto, to mark. 

NOTATION, s. The art of recording or describing by 
scientific marks, as in arithmetic and music. L. nota- 
tio; from noto, to mark. 

NOTE. v. To observe; to record. L. noto, to mark. 

NOTIFY, v. To make known. L. notifico; comp. of 
notus, known, (p. part, of nosco,) and facio, to 
make. 

NOTORIOUS/ adj. Extensively known, (used in rela- 
tion to a bad action.) L. notorizes; from noto, to 
- mark. 



NOU— NUR 

NOURISH, v. To support by food; to promote growth 
or strength; to encourage; to foment. F. nourrir; L. 
nutrio, to nurse. 

NOVEL, adj. New; uncommon. L. novellus, dim. of 
novus, new. 

NOVEMBER, s. Formerly, the ninth month, when the 
year began in March. L. novembris; novem, nine. 

NOVICE, s. An inexperienced person ; one who has 
entered a convent, but has not yet taken the vow. F. 
novice; L. novus, new. 

NOVITIATE, s. The state of a novice; the time in 
which the rudiments are learned ; the time spent in 
a religious house by way of trial, before the vow is 
made. F. noviciat; L. novitius, newly made. — See 
NOVICE. 

JVOFUS HOMO. A term used to denote a man re- 
cently emerged from obscurity, or from a state of com^ 
parative indigence. L. novus, new, and homo, a man. 

NOXIOUS, adj. Hurtful. L. noxius; from noxa^ hurt: 
noceo, to hurt. 

NUCIFEROUS, adj. Nut-bearing. L. nucis, gen. of 
nux, a nut, and y<?ro, to bear. 

NUCLEUS. s. A kernel; something about which mat- 
ter is collected. L. nucleus, a kernel. 

NUDE. s. A female who exposes her person by the 
lightness or scantiness of her dress. L. nudus, naked. 

NUDITY, s. Nakedness. F. nudite; L. nudus, naked. 

NUGATORY, adj. Trifling; futile; insignificant. L. 
nugatorius; from nugor, to trifle. 

NULL. adj. Of no force; extinct. L. nullus, none. 

NUMERAL, adj. Relating to number. F. numeral; L. 
numerus, a number. 

NUMERICALLY, adv. With regard to the number, 
but not the quality .-^See NUMERAL. 

NUMEROUS, adj. Great in number; many. L. numero- 
suc; from numerus, a number. 

NUPTIAL, adj. Relating to marriage. L. nuptialis; 
nu/itia, a wedding. 

NURSE, s. A woman that has the care of a child, or of 
a sick person; one who rears, educates, or protects. 
F. nourrice.— -See NOURISH. 



NUR— .OBL 

NURTURE, v. To feed; to bring to maturity; to 
educate. F. nonrriture, sustenance. — See NURSE. 

NUTRIMENT, s. Food. L. nutrimentum; from nutrio, 
to nurse. 

NUTRITIOUS, adj. Nourishing. L. nutritius; from 
nutria, to nurse. 

NYMPH, s. A goddess of the woods, meadows, or 
waters; in poetry, a young female. L. nymfiha; G. 
num/ihe, a bride. This sense does not, however, ac- 
cord either with the heathen, or the present applica- 
tion, of the word. 



O. 

OBDURATE, adj. Stubborn; impenitent. L. obdura- 

tus, part, of obduro; ob, against, and duro, to harden. 
OBEDIENT, adj. Submissive to authority ; obsequious. 

L. obediens. — See OBEY. 
OBEISANCE, s. An act of submission, or reverence; 

a bow, or courtesy. F. obeisance. — See OBEY. 
OBELISK, s. A monument, generally of four sides, and 

pyramidical; a mark (t) referring to the margin. L. 

obeliscusj G. obelos, a mark. 
OBESITY. 5. High degree of corpulence. L. obesus, 

fat. 
OBEY. v. To submit to authority; to comply with. L. 

obeo, to go to, or be ready at: 06, according to, and 

eo, to go. 
OBIIT. -v. He (or she) died. L. obeo, to go to, or die. 

—See OBEY. 
OB'JECT. s. Something thrown or filaced before the 

eye; something in view; something acted on. L. ob- 

jectus, p. part, of objicic: from ob, before, or against, 

and jacio, to throw, or place. 
OBJECT', v. To oppose; (with to or against. ~) — See 

the noun. 
OBJECTIVE, adj. Relating to the object; s. the third 

case in the majority of English grammars. — See OB'- 
JECT. 
OBLATE, adj. Partaking of flatness. L. oblatus, (p. 



OBL—OBS 

part, of offer o,) struck, or forced: ob, against, and/?- 
ro, to bear. 

OBLATION, s. A religious sacrifice. L. oblatus, p. 
part, of ojjfero, to offer. 

OBLIGATION, s. Binding power; contract; duty; fa- 
vour conferred. L. obligatio. — See OBLIGE. 

OBLIGE, v. To bind; to compel; to do a kind action, 
and thus bind the person favoured, by a tie of grati- 
tude. F. obliger; L. obligo: ob, according to, or by 
reason of, and ligo, to bind. 

OBLIQUE, adj. Not direct; not parallel; not perpen- 
dicular. L. obliquus; from ob, against, or about, and 
lictus, p. part, of linquo, to leave, or forsake. 

OBLITERATE, v. To blot out; to destroy. L. oblite- 
ro; comp. of ob, against, and lit era, a letter. 

OBLIVION, s. Forgetfulness ; amnesty. L. oblivio; 
from ob, against, and lavo, to wash. 

OBLOQUY, s. Censure; slander; reproach. L. oblo- 
quor, to reproach; comp. of ob, against, and loquor, to 
speak. 

OBNOXIOUS, adj. Injurious; considered with aver- 
sion. This word is frequently used in other senses, 
but erroneously, or through affectation. L. obnoxius: 
ob, against, noxa, hurt. 

OBSCURE, adj. Dark; abstruse; little known. L. ob- 
scurus, dusky. 

OBSEQUIES, v. Funeral solemnities. F. obseques; 
from the L. obsequhun, attendance on some great 
person: obsequor, to follow. 

OBSEQUIOUS, adj. Meanly compliant. L. obsequio- 
sus; from ob, according to, and sequor, to follow. 

OBSOLETE, adj. Disused. L. obsoletus; from obsoleo: 
ob, against, and soleo, to use. 

OBSTACLE, s. Obstruction. F. obstacle; L. ob, against, 
and sto, to stand. 

OBSTETRIC, adj. Relating to midwifery. L. obstetrix, 
a midwife. 

OBSTINATE, adj. Stubborn. L. obstinatus, part, of 
obstino: comp. of ob, against, and teneo, to hold. 

OBSTRUCT, v. To impede; to hinder. L. obstructum, 
sup. of obstrno; from ob, against, and struo, to pile up. 



OBT— OCT 

OBTAIN, v. To gain; to acquire; to procure. L. obtl- 

neo: ob, against, and teneo, to hold. 
OBTRUDE. v. To enter by force or imposture; to of- 
fer intrusively. L. obtrudoj from ob, against, and 

trudo, to thrust. 
OBTRUSION, s. The act of obtruding. L. obtrusus, 

p. part, of obtrudo. — See OBTRUDE. 
OBTUSE, adj. Blunt; — opposed to acute. L. obtusus, 

p. part, of obtundo; comp. of ob, against, and tundo, 

to beat ;— that is, made blunt by being beaten. 
OBVIATE, v. To avert or remove, by meeting the 

obstruction in its way or passage. L. ob, against, and 

via , a way. 
OBVIOUS, adj. Easily perceived. L. obvius, meeting 

in the way; comp. of ob, against, and via, a way. 
OCCASION, s. Occurrence; incident; opportunity. L. 

occasio; from ob, for, or against, and casus, a chance. 
OCCIDENTAL, adj. Western. L. occidentalis; occi- 

dens, the west: from occido, to fall down; alluding to 

the setting of the sun. 
OCCLUSION, s. Shutting out. L. occlusio; from ob r 

against, and clausum, sup. of claudo, to shut. 
OCCULT, adj. Hidden; abstruse. L. occultus; p. part. 

of occulo, to hide. 
OCCUPY, v. To hold. L. occufioj comp, of ob, before, 

and cafiio, to take. 
OCCUR, v. To enter into the mind; to happen. L. qc- 

curro; from ob, against, and curro, to run. 
OCELLATED. s. Resembling the eye. L. ocellatus; 

oculus, an eye. 
OCTAGON, s. A ^figure containing eight sides and 

angles. G. okto, eight, and gonia, a corner. 
OCTANGULAR, adj. Having eight angles. L. octo, 

eight, and angulus, an angle. 
OCTAVE, s. In music, an eighth, or an interval of 

eight sounds. L. octavus, eight. 
OCTAVO, s. A book, the leaves of which are equal in 

size to the eighth part of a sheet. L. abl. of octavus, 

the eighth. 
OCTENNIAL, adj. Happening every eighth year; 

lasting eight years. L. octo, eight, and annus, a year. 



OCT— OLF 

OCTOBER, s. The eighth month, when the year be- ' 

gan in March. L. October; from octo, eight. 
OCTUPLE, adj. Eight fold. L. octufilusj from octo, 

eight. 
OCULAR, adj. Relating to perception by sight. F. ocu- 

laire: L. oculus, an eye. 
OCULIST, s. An eye-surgeon. L. oculus, an eye. 
ODE. s. A poem intended to be sung. G. ode; from 

aeido, to sing. 
ODIOUS, adj. Hateful; detestable. L. odiosus. — See 

ODIUM. 
ODIUM, s. Quality of provoking dislike; disgrace. L. 

odium, dislike. 
ODORIFEROUS, a tf/. Fragrant. L. odorifer; from odor> 

scent, and y<?ro, to bring. 
OFFEND, v. To displease; to transgress. L. offe?ido, 

to strike against. 
OFFENSIVE, adj. Offending; assailing; opposed to 

defensive; displeasing; disgusting; painful. F. offen- 

sif; L. offensus, p. part, of offend o. — See OFFEND. 
OFFER, v. To present; to attempt. L. offer o; comp. of 

ob, for, or against, and/ero, to bring. 
OFFICE, s. A public charge or employment; agency; 

business; a place for transacting business. F. office: 

L. officium, employment: comp. of ob, for, and facio, 

to do. 
OFFICIAL, adj. Relating to an office; published by the 

proper office, and thus made authentic. F. official. — - 

See OFFICE. 
OFFICIATE, v. To perform the business of an office. 

—See OFFICE. 
OFFICIOUS, adj. Though this word originally ex- 
pressed doing good offices, which meaning is in exact 

accordance with its etymology, -it is now rarely used 

except to denote intrusively active. F. officieux; L. 

officiosus.—See OFFICE. 
OIL. s. The expressed juice of olives; any thin, greasy 

matter. L. oleum: olea, an olive tree. 
OLEAGINOUS, adj. Oily. L. oleaginus; from olea, 

an olive tree, and genus, a kind.— See OIL. 
OLFACTORY, adj. Having the sense of smelling. F. 

olfactoire: L. olfacio y to smell to. 



OLI—OPI 

OLIGARCHY, s. Government by a few. G. oligarchial 

from oligos, a few, and arche, government. 
O MENTIS. A prognostic. L. omen: G. oimai, to consi- 
der, or suppose. 
OMINOUS, adj. Betokening; generally considered in- 

auspiciously, or in an unfavourable sense. L. omino- 

sus.— See OMEN. 
OMISSION, s. The act of omitting; thing omitted. L. 

o?nissus, p. part, of omitto. — See OMIT. 
OMIT. v. To leave out; to neglect. L. omitto, to throw 

aside. 
OMNIPOTENT, adj. Almighty. L. omnifiotens; comp. 

of omnis, all, and fiotens, (part, of possum,) being 

able. 
OMNIPRESENT, adj. In every place. L. omnis, all, 

and firtzsen.n, being present. 
OMNISCIENT, adj. Knowing every thing. L. omnis, 

all, and sciens, part, of scio, to know. 
OMNIUM, s. The aggregate of certain portions of dif- 
ferent stocks in the English funds. L. omnium, of all; 

gen. pi. of omnis. 
ONEROUS, adj. Oppressive. L. onerosus; from onus, 

a burthen. 
ONOMANCY. s. Pretended divination by a name. G. 

onoma, a name, and manteia, a foretelling. 
ONTOLOGY, s. The doctrine of being or existence. 

G. on, being, and logos, a description. 
QJYUS PROBANDI. The burthen of proving. L. onus, 

a burthen, and firobandi, gen. gerund of firobo, to 

prove. 
OPACITY, s. Cloudiness; want of transparency, F. 

oiiacite; L. opMcitas. — See OPAQUE. 
OPAQUE, adj. Cloudy; not transparent. F. opaque; L. 

opacus; from opaco, to shade. 
OPERATE, v. To act; to produce effect. L. operor; 

from opus, work. 
OPEROSE. adj. Laborious. L. operosus. — See OPE- 
RATE. 
OPHTHALMIA. s. A disorder of the eyes. G. oph- 

thalmos, an eye. 
OPIATE, s. A medicine that promotes sleep. G. opion, 

the juice of poppies. 






OPI— ORB 

OPINION, s. Conjecture; sentiments; judgment. L. 
opinio; from opinor, to think. 

OPPONENT, s. One who opposes. L. opponens, (part, 
of oppono,) opposing. — See OPPOSE. 

OPPORTUNITY, s. Convenient point of time; con- 
venience. L. opportunitas ; from ob, in the way of, and 
fiorto, to carry. 

OPPOSE, v. To obstruct; to hinder. L. oppositum, 
sup. of oppono; from ob, against, and pono, to place. 

OPPOSITE, adj. Standing in front; contrary. — See 
OPPOSE. 

OPPRESS, -v. To overpower; to tyrannise over. L. 
oppressum, sup. of opprimo: ob, against, and premo, 
to press. 

OPPROBRIOUS, adj. Reproachful; scurrilous. L. ofi- 
probrium, disgrace: ob, against, and probrum, de- 
formity. 

OPPUGN, v. To oppose; to resist. Oppugn is an af- 
fected, and unnecessary word. L. oppugno; ob, against, 
&r\& pugno, to fight. 

OPTICIAN, s. One skilled in optics; a maker of opti- 
cal instruments. — See OPTICS. 

OPTICS, s. The science of the laws of vision. G. ops, 
an eye. 

OPTIMISM, s. The doctrine that every thing is order- 
ed for the best. F. optimisme; from the L. optimum, 
best. 

OPTION, s. Choice. L. optio; from opto, to choose. 

OPULENT, adj. Wealthy. L. opulens: opes, riches ; 
from opis, power. 

ORACLE, s. One who conveys information by super- 
natural wisdom; or by pretended supernatural wis- 
dom, as the oracle at Delphos ; the place where the 
information is delivered; a person famed for wisdom. 
L. oraculum; oro, to speak. 

ORAL. adj. Delivered by the mouth ; not written. F. 
oral; L. oris, gen. of os, the mouth. 

ORATOR, s. A public speaker; a man of eloquence. L. 
orator; from oro, to speak. 

ORB. s. A sphere; circular body; circle; line described 
by a planet. L. or bis, a round thing of any kind. 

ORBICULAR, adj. Spherical} circular .—-See ORB. 



ORB— ORP 

ORBIT. *. The line described by the revolution of a 
planet. L. orfoYa.— See ORB. 

ORCHESTRA, orORCHESTRE. s. The place where 
the musicians sit in a theatre, or ball room. G. orches- 
tra; from orcheomai, to dance, — alluding to the dancing 
choristers of a Greek theatre. 

ORDAIN, v. To appoint; to decree; to invest with 
the sacerdotal office. L. ordino: from ordo, a rule or 
law. 

ORDINAL, adj. Relating to numerical position; as, 
first, second, third. L. ordinalis; from ordo, order or 
rank. 

ORDINANCE, s. A law; appointment. F. ordonnance. 
—See ORDAIN. 

ORDINARY, adj. Established; common; of low rank. 
L. ordmarius. — See ORDAIN. 

ORDINATION, s. Established order or tendency; in- 
vestment of the sacerdotal office. L. ordinatio. — See 
ORDAIN. 

ORGAN, s. Natural instrument; as the ear, which is 
the organ of hearing, — the eye, of sight; a sort of 
musical instrument. F. organe: G. organon, an instru- 
ment: orge, force; or ergon, work. 

ORGANIZE, adj. To arrange, so that all the parts 
may co-operate. — See ORGAN. 

ORGIES. *. Frantic revels. G. orgiaj from orge, vehe- 
ment ardour. 

ORIENTAL, adj. Eastern. F. oriental; L. oriens, the 
east; from orior, to arise. 

ORIFICE, s. An opening, or perforation. L. orificium; 
from oris, gen. of os, a mouth, or gap, and facio, to 
make. 

ORIGIN, s. Beginning; source. L. origo; from orior, 
to arise. 

ORIGINAL, adj. Primitive; not copied from another. 
L. originalis.See ORIGIN. 

ORISONS, s. Prayers. F. oraisons: L. oro, to beg. 

ORNAMENT, s. Embellishment. L. ornamentumi or* 
no, to adorn. 

ORPHAN, s. A child who has lost its parents, or one 
of its parents. G. orphanods destitute. 



: 



ORT— OVI 

ORTHODOXY. «... Supposed infallibility of opinion 
and doctrine, G. orthodoxia; orthos, right, and dokeo, 
to perceive. 

ORTHOEPY, s. The science of right pronunciation. 
G. orthos, right, and e/ios, a word. 

ORTHOGON. s. A rectangular.figure. G. orth os, right, 
and gonia, an angle. 

ORTHOGRAPHY, s. Knowledge of spelling. G. or- 
thos, right, and grafiho, to write. 

OSCILLATION, s. The act of moving backward and 
forward like a pendulum. L. oscillum, an image, sus- 
pended and swung in the air, by the heathen wor- 
shipers. G. ossio-o, to render holy. 

OSSIFY, v. To change to bone. L. os, a bone, andjfo, 
to become. 

OSTENSIVE. adj. Avowed; shown. F. ostensif. L. 
ostensus, p. part, of ostendo: os, the face, and tendo, 
to stretch forth. 

OSTENTATION, s. Ambitious display. L. ostentatio. 
—See OSTENSIVE. 

OSTRACISM, s. Public sentence inscribed, by each 
voter, upon a shell. G. ostrakismosj from ostrakon^ a 
shell. 

OUTRE', adj. Uncommon; different from the usual 
mode. F. 

OVAL. adj. Not quite round, but oblate at the ends or 
poles. F. ovale: L. ovum, an egg. 

OVATION, s. A lesser Roman triumph. L. ovatio: 
from o-visy a sheep; because, on this occasion, the vic- 
tor sacrificed a sheep; but, in the greater triumph, 
he sacrificed a bull. 

OVERPLUS, s. Surplus. Compounded of over, and 
L. filus, more. 

OVERT, adj. Open; public. F. oitvert, part, of ouvrir, 
to open. 

OVERTURE, s. First proposal; musical prelude. F. 
ou-vertiire; from ouvrir, to open;— -that is, to begin. 

OVIFORM, s. Having the form of an egg. L. ovum, 
an egg, andybr?«a, figure. 

OVIPAROUS, adj. Bringing forth eggs. L. ovum y an 
egg, and fiariQ) to bring forth. 



OXA— PAN 

OXALIC, adj. The acid denominated oxalic, is found 
in the juice of sorrel. L. oxalis, wild sorrel. 

OXIDE, s. Any substance combining oxygen, in a pro- 
portion not sufficient to produce acidity. — See OXY- 
GEN. 

OXYGEN, s. The principle of acids, and of combustion, 
and a necessary agent in the support of animal life. 
G. oxus, an acid, and gennao, to generate. 

OYER AND TERMINER. A judicial commission 
given « to hear and determine." F. oyer) to hear, and 
terminer, to end or determine. 



P. 

PABULUM. «. Food; support. L. from fiasco, to feed. 

PACIFY, v. To appease. F. pacifier; Lt.pacifico; comp. 
of pax, peace, and facio, to make. 

PALE. s. A rail or post; an enclosure; district. L./za- 
lus, a post. 

PALISADE, s. A defence made of pales. F. palisade; 
L. palus, a post. 

PALLADIUM. *. Properly, a statue of Pallas, (Miner- 
va,) which, it was said, fell from heaven, and on the 
preservation of which, it was imagined, depended the 
safety of Troy : it was accordingly stolen from the 
city by Ulysses and Diomedes. Palladium is gene- 
rally used to denote some great preserver of a coun- 
try's liberty ; as the trial by jury, or freedom of the 
press. 

PALLET, s. A small bed. F. paille, straw. 

PALLIATE, v. To excuse, h.pallio; from pallium, a 
cloak. 

PALLID, adj. Pale. L. pallidas, pale. 

PALPABLE, adj. Perceptible by the touch ; easily de- 
tected. F. palpable; from palpor, to feel in the dark, 
or grope. 

PALPITATE, v. To beat as the heart. L. palpito, to 
pant. 

PALSY, s. An abbreviation of Paralysis. 

PANACEx\. s. A universal medicine. G. panakeia; 
pan, all, and akos, a cure. 



PAN— PAR 

PAN ADO. s. Food made of bread and water. L. panis, 
bread. 

PANDECT, s. A treatise which comprehends the whole 
of any science; the digest of the civil law. L.pandec- 
ta; G. pan, all, and dechomai, to admit. 

PANEGYRIC, s. An encomiastic composition; praise. 
F. panegyrique; G. paneguris: pan, all, and agareo, 
to collect ; meaning, to rehearse all worthy deeds. 

PANOPLY, s. Complete armour. G. panoplia; from 
pan, all, and op la, armour. 

PANORAMA, s. A very large painting, extended in a 
kind of theatre, and exhibiting a view of a city, or of 
some grandly interesting occurrence, such as a con- 
flagration or a battle. G. pan, all, and orama, a view. 

PANTHEON, s. A temple of all the heathen gods; a 
book describing the heathen gods. G. pantheion; comp. 
oi pan, all, and theos, a god. 

PANTOMIME, s. A theatrical drama of action, with- 
out speech. F. pantomime: G. pan, all, and mimos, a 
mimic. 

PANTRY, s. A closet for provisions. F . panaterie ; pain, 
bread : L. panis, bread. 

PAPAL, adj. Relating to the Pope. L. papa, a fond 
name for father. G. pappas. 

PAPAVEROUS, adj. Resembling poppies. L. fiafia- 
■ver, a poppy. 

PAPER, s. In French, papier: from papyrus, an Egyp- 
tian shrub ; of which, paper was originally made. 

PAPILLARY, adj. Having vessels resembling teats. L. 
papilla, a nipple, or teat. 

PAR. s. State of equality; equal value. L. par, equal. 

PARABLE, s. A similitude. G. parabole; comp. of 
para, alike, and ballo, to deliver, or teach ;— that is, 
to teach one thing, by another which resembles it. 

PARADE, s. Show; review or exercise of a military 
corps; place of military exercise. F. fiarade; h.pareo, 
to appear. 

PARADISE, s. Garden of Eden; celestial abode. G. 
paradeisos, a garden: from a Hebrew word, denoting 
a place set with fruitful trees. 

PARADOX. *. A position seemingly absurd, because 
contrary to some received opinion, — yet, true in fact. 



PAR—PAR 

G. paradoxos: para, contrary to, and doxos, an 
opinion. 

PARAGOGE. s. A figure, by which a letter or syllable 
is affixed to a word, without adding any thing to its 
sense. G. paragoge: parago, to extend. 

PARAGON, s. A model; something extremely well 
formed. G. para, from, and ago, to form. 

PARAGRAPH. s. A distinct part of a discourse. G. 
paragraphs; from para, through, and grapho, to 
write : meaning, through the subject. 

PARALLAX, s. The distance between the true and 
apparent place of the sun, or any star, viewed from 
the earth. G. parallaxis, a difference. 

PARALLEL, adj. Extended in the same direction, and 
preserving always the same distance ; equal ; like. G. 
parallelos; from para, by the side, and alios, an- 
other. 

PARALLELOGRAM, s. A right lined quadrilateral 
figure, the opposite sides of which are parallel and 
equal. G. fiarallelos, (see parallel,) and gramma, a 
figure. 

PARALOGY. 5. False reasoning. G.para, against, and 
logos, reason. 

PARALYSE, -v. To effect by a paralysis ; to enfeeble 
by contention.— -See PARALYSIS. 

PARALYSIS, s. A palsy. G. paralusis; from fiara, 
through, and luo, to untie ; meaning the sinews, &c. 

PARAMOUR, s. A lover, or wooer ; a mistress. F.par, 
for, and amour, love, or a love intrigue. 

PARAPHERNALIA. *. Goods which a wife has a le- 
gal property in, besides her dower ; suitable apparel 
and ornaments of a wife. G.para, besides, and pherne, 
a dower. 

PARAPHRASE, s. A loose translation. G. para, alike, 
or resembling, and phrasis, a speech. 

PARASITE. s. One who frequents the tables of the 
rich, and earns his welcome by flattery. G. parasitos; 
from para, near to, and sitos, corn, — meaning, a well 
stored table. 

PARASOL, s. A portable shelter from the sun. G. pa- 
ra, against, and L. sol, the sun. 



PAR— PAR 

PAREGORIC, adj. An assuaging medicine. G. pare- 
goreo, to mitigate. 

PARENT, s. A father or mother. F. parent: L. parens; 
from pario, to beget, or bring forth. 

PARENTHESIS, s. A word or sentence so included 
within another sentence, as that it may be omitted 
without injuring the sense of that which encloses it. 
Marked thus ( ). G. para, with, en, in, and thesis, a 
position. 

PAR EXCELLENCE. By way of eminence. F. par, 
by, and excellence, excellence. 

PARHELION, s. A mock sun, or contiguous resem- 
blance of the sun. G. para, near, and helios, the sun. 

PARIETAL, adj. Relating to the parietes. — See PA- 
RIETES. 

PARIETES. s. In anatomy, a term used for the enclo- 
sures, or membranes, which stop up or close the hol- 
low parts of the body; such as those of the heart and 
thorax. L. pi. of paries, a wall. 

PARI PASSU. With an equal pace; by a similar gra- 
dation. L.pari, with an equal, passu, pace: abl. of par, 
and passus. 

PARITY, s. Equality. F. parite; L. paritas; from par^ 
equal. 

PARLEY, s. Conference; short treaty. F. parler, to 
speak. 

PARLIAMENT, s. The ancient legislative assembly 
of the states of France ; the present British legislature. 
F. parlement, (formerly, parliament,) from parler, to 
speak. 

PARLOUR, s. A domestic sitting-room. F. parloir; 
from parler, to speak, or converse. 

PAROCHIAL, adj. Relating to a parish. L. parochia, 
a parish; G. para, near to, and oikeo, to dwell ;— re- 
ferring to an ancient convent: the inhabitants of which 
had the charge of a district, such as we now denomi- 
nate a parish. 

PARODY, s. A literary imitation. G. parodia: para, 
opposite to, and ode, a song; that is, a different sub- 
ject, in the same style. 

PAROLE, s. A verbal pledge of honour. F. parole, a 
word. 

[18] 



PAR— PAR 

PAROXYSM, s. Periodical action of a disease; a fit. 

G. paroxusmos; from para, through, and oxuno, to 

sharpen. 
PARRICIDE, s. The murder of a parent. L. pari* 

cidium; from parens, a parent, and cado, to kill. 
PARSE, v. To analyze a sentence, into the several parts 

of speech. L. partio, to divide. 
PARSIMONY, s. Extreme frugality. L. parsimonia; 

from parco, to save, or reserve. 
PARSON, s. A corruption of persona, person; be- 
cause, in his person, (according to sir E. Coke,) the 

church, which is an invisible body, is represented. 
PART. s. A portion; member; share, &c. L. pars, a 

part. 
PARTAKE, v. To have a part of. Comp. oipart, and 

take. 
PARTERRE, s. A selected piece of ground, separated 

by a fence. F. parterre : parti, divided, and terre, 

land. 
PARTIAL, adj. Favouring one party; affecting only 

one part. F. partial. — See PART. 
PARTICIPATE, -v. To partake; to share. L. parti- 

cipo; from pars, a part, and capio, to take. 
PARTICIPLE, s. A word which, besides its primary 

quality of verb, partakes occasionally of the quality of 

a substantive and adjective. L. participium. — See 

PARTICIPATE. 
PARTICLE, s. Any small portion of a greater sub- 
stance; a (little) word unvaried by inflection. L. par- 

ticula, dim. of pars, a part. 
PARTICULAR, adj. Single; distinct; not general; 

uncommon, Sec. L. particula, a small part.— -See 

PARTICLE. 
PARTITION, s. Division. L. parlitio: partitus, p. part. 

oi partio, to divide. 
PARTITIVE, adj. In grammar, signifies distributive; 

as each, or every. L. partio, to part or divide: pars, a 

part. 
PARTURITION, s. State of travail, or labour. L.par- 

turio, to be in travail; from partus, p. part, ofpario, 

to bring forth young. 
PARTY, s, A number of persons confederated in oppo- 






PAS—PAT 

sition to others ; a faction ; one, of two or more liti- 
gants; a select assembly, Sec. F. partie. — See PART* 

PASCHAL, adj. Relating to the passover. G. pascha y 
a passing over. 

PASSIM. In various places; here and there: a term 
used by authors, when referring generally to the writ- 
ings of another, without severally quoting the pages. 
L. passim, every where. 

PASSIVE, adj. Unresisting; suffering; not active, but 
being the object of action. L. passivus; from patior, 
to suffer. 

PASTOR, s. A shepherd; a clergyman. L. pastor; 
fiasco, to feed. 

PASTURE^*. Grazing land. F. pastures L,.pastus; 
from fiasco, to feed. 

PATENT, s. An exclusive privilege. F. patent: L. pa- 
tior, to allow. 

PATERNAL, adj. Relating or pertaining to a father. 
L. fiaternus; from pater, a father. 

PATER-NOSTER. s. The name of the Lord's Prayer, 
by the Roman Catholic church; because, pater and 
noster, (our father,) are the first two words of that 
prayer. L. pater, a father, and noster, our. 

PATHETIC, adj. Affecting the liner passions. G.pa- 
thetikos.—See PATHOS^ 

PATHOLOGY, s. That part of medical science which 
treats of the distempers incident to the human body, 
with their differences, causes, and effects. G. pathos, 
a disease, and logos, a description. 

PATHOS, s. Strong feeling; the feeling or expression 
of some passion; energy. G. pathos, passion. 

PATIENT, adj. Not easily provoked; calm under af- 
fliction. L. patiens; from patior, to suffer. 

PATIENT, s. A person suffering pain, in consequence 
of disease.— See the adjective. 

PATRIARCH, s. The father of a tribe. G.patriarches; 
comp. of patria, a family, and archos, a chief. 

PATRICIAN, adj. Senatorial; noble; not plebeian. L. 
patricius; pater, a father. 

PATRIMONY, s. An estate possessed by inheritance. 
L, pa-trimonium; pater, a father. 



PAT— FED 

PATRIOT, s. An active lover of his country. ~L.patria, 
one's country, or native soil. 

PATRON, s. One who countenances, supports, or pro- 
tects; one who has the appointment to an ecclesiasti- 
cal preferment. F. patron; L. patronus: pater, a fa- 
ther. 

PATRONYMIC, s. A name expressing that of the 
father or ancestor : as, Tydides, the son of Tydeus ; 
O'Neil, the son of Neil, Mac Gregor, the son of Gre- 
gor. G. patronumikcs; from p ater, a father, and ono- 
ma, a name. 

PAUCITY. *. Smallness of number. L. paucitas; from 
pauci, few,. 

PAUPER, s. A poor person; one who receives alms. 
L. pauper, poor. 

PAUSE, s. A stop ; cessation. F. pause: L. positus, p. 
part, of pono, to place, or lay, or set down. 

PEASANT. s. One whose business is rural labour. F. 
paysan: pays, a country. 

PECCANT, adj. Criminal; corrupt; injurious to health. 
F. peccant: L. peccans, part, of pecco, to sin. 

PECCAVI. s. "I have sinned." To make a person 
" cry peccavi," is, in cant language, to compel him to 
acknowledge his transgression. L. from pecco, to sin. 

PECTORAL, adj. Relating or pertaining to the breast. 
L. pectoralis: pectus, the breast. 

PECUNIARY, adj. Relating to money. 'L.pecuniarius; 
from pecunia, money. Pliny says, that the first Ro- 
man coins, bearing an impression, were made by order of 
Servius Tullus, and stamped with the resemblance of 
sheep and oxen ; hence, pecunia is derived from pecus, 
a flock of sheep, or other cattle. 

PEDAGOGUE, s. Originally signified a teacher of 
children, generally; but now it refers only to a pe- 
dantic teacher. L. pedagogi's; G. paidagogos: pais, 
a boy, or girl, and ago, to guide. 

PEDAL, s. Something designed to be acted on by the 
foot ; as the pedal of an organ, harp, or piano-forte. L. 
pedalis: pedis, gen. of pes, a foot. 

PEDANT, s. Originally meant one who taught chil- 
dren; but the term is now applied to a man vain of 
low knowledge, or awkwardly ostentatious of his lit- 



PED— PEN 

erature: F. pedant: G. paidos, gen. of pdis 9 a boy, 
or girl. 

PEDESTAL, s. The base of a statue or pillar. F. pie- 
destal; L. pedis, gen. of pes, a foot. 

PEDESTRIAN, s. One who travels on foot. L. pedes- 
ter, performed on foot : pes, a foot. 

PEDICLE, s. That by which the leaf or fruit is fixed 
to the tree. L. fiediculus; dim. of pes, a foot. 

PEDLER. s. A pedestrian dealer. L. pedes, on foot.— 
See PEDESTRIAN. 

PEDOBAPTIST. s. One who adheres to the practice 
of infant baptism. G. paidos, gen. of pais, a child, and 
baptizo, to baptize. 

PEDOMETER, s. An instrument for showing how far 
a person has walked ; or for measuring roads. L. pe- 
dis, gen. of pes, a foot, and G. metreo, to measure. 

PEER. s. An equal; a nobleman, (the several degrees 
of peers having the same privileges.) It. pair; L.par, 
equal. 

PELLICLE, s. A thin skin; a film. L. pellicula, dim. 
of pel lis, a skin. 

PELLUCID, adj. Transparent. L,. pellucidus; from per, 
through, and luceo, to shine. 

PELTRY, s. Skins. L. pellis, a skin. 

PEN. s. An instrument for writing. L. penna, a quill- 
feather, or a pen. 

PENAL, adj. Denouncing or enacting punishment; 
used for punishing. F. penal: L. poena, punishment. 

PENALTY. *. Punishment; fine.— -See PENAL. 

PENANCE, s. Punishment inflicted or suffered as an 
expression of repentance. L. poena, punishment. 

PENCHANT. 5. Inclination; desire. F. from pencher, 
to incline. 

PENDANT, s. Something suspended; a small naval 
flag. F. pendant; L. pendeo, to hang. 

PENDENT, adj. Hanging. L. pendens, part, of pendeo, 
to hang. 

PENDENTE LITE. Whilst the suit or contest is 
pending and undetermined. L. from pendo, to weigh 
or consider on, and lis, a dispute, or action at law. 

PENDING, adj. Remaining undecided ; during, la. pen- 
do, to weigh, or consider on. 
[18*] 



PEN—PER 

PENDULUM, s. Any weight suspended, so thatit may 
perform Gsciilations of equal time ; the vibrating 
movement of a clock. L. pendulus, hanging down: 
pendeo, to hang. 

PENETRATE, v. To pierce; to enter; to reach the 
meaning. L. penetro, to penetrate. 

PENINSULA, s. A tract of land almost surrounded 
by water. L. pene, almost, insula, an island. 

PENITENT, adj. Repentant. L. pcenitens, part, ofjice- 
niteo: from poena, punishment, pain, remorse. 

PENNATED. adj. Winged : — pennated, in botanical 
language, refers to those leaves which grow directly, 
one against another, on the same rib or stalk. L. pen- 
natus; penna, a feather, or wing. 

PENSION, s. Pecuniary allowance, given at regular 
periods, as a reward of service, or through charity. 
F. pension; L. pensus, p. part, of pendo, to pay. 

PENSIVE, adj. Sorrowfully thoughtful. Y.pensif; from 
penser, to think. L. penso : pendo, to weigh, or con- 
sider on. 

PENTAGON, s. A figure with five angles. G. pente, 
five, and gonia, a corner, or angle. 

PENTAMETER, s. A Latin verse of five feet. h.penta- 
metrum; G. pente, five, and metron, measure. 

PENTANGULAR, adj. Five cornered. G. pente, five, 
and angular. 

PENTATEUCH, s. The five books of Moses. G. pente, 
five, and teuchos, a volume. 

PENTECOST, s. One of the Jewish feasts; Whitsun- 
tide. G. pentecosta, fifty; because celebrated fifty days 
after the passover. 

PENULTIMATE, adj. Last except one. L. penulti- 
mus; comp. offiene, almost, and ultimus, the last. 

PENUMBRA, p. An imperfect shadow. L. pene, al- 
most, and umbra.) a shadow. 

PENURIOUS, adj. Niggardly; sordidly mean, h.penu- 
ria, scarcity. 

PENURY, s. Poverty; indigence. L. penuria, want. 

PERADVENTURE. adv. Perhaps. L. per, by, and 
adventure ; meaning, a chance. 

PERAMBULATE, v. To walk through; to visit th 



• 



PER— PER 

boundaries. L. perambulo: per, through, and ambulo, 

to walk. 
PER ANNUM. By the year; for every year. L. per, 

by, and annum, accus. of annus, a year. 
PERCEIVE, v. To know, through the medium of the 

senses; to observe. F '. appercevoir: L. percipio: per, 

through, and capio, to take. 
PER CENT. By the hundred; for every hundred. L. 

per, by, and centum, a hundred. 
PERCEPTION, s. The faculty or act of perceiving. 

L. perceptio : perceptus, p. part, of percipio. — See 

PERCEIVE. 
PERCIPIENT, adj. Having the power of perception. 

L. percipiens, part, of percipio, to perceive. 
PERCOLATE, v. To strain, or filter. L.percolo, to fil- 
ter: per, through, and colo, (colare,) to strain. 
PERCUSSION, s. The act of striking, or shaking vio- 
lently. L. percussio; from percutio, to strike: per, 

through, and quatio, to shake. 
PER DIEM. By the day; for every day. L. per, by, 

and diem, accus. of dies, a day. 
PERDITION, s. Destruction; eternal damnation. L. 

perditio; from per do, to lose. 
PEREGRINATION, s. Travel. L. peregrinatio; from 

per, through, and ager, a field, or country. 
PEREMPTORY, adj. Absolute ; dictatorial. L,.peremp- 

toriusj from perimo, to take away wholly : that is, to 

remove all excuse for nonperformance. 
PERENNIAL, adj. Lasting through the whole year; 

perpetual. L. perennis; comp. of per, through, and 

annus, a year. 
PERFECT, adj. Complete; without blemish. L. per* 

fectus, p. part, of perficio, to finish; comp. of per, 

throughout, and facio, to make. 
PERFIDY, s. Treachery. L.perjidia; from per, through, 

and Jides, trust. 
PERFORATE, v. To pierce. L. perforo; from per, 

through, and foro, to bore. 
PERFORM, v. To finish; to execute; to do. L. per, 

throughout, and for mo, to frame. 
PERFUME, v. To impregnate with sweet scent. F. 



PER— PER 

fiarfume; L. per, throughout, and fumus, smoke, or 
fume. 

PERICARDIUM, s. A membrane which envelops the 
heart. G. fieri, about, and kardia, the heart. 

PERICARPIUM. s. A membrane which envelops the 
fruit or grain of a plant; or that part of the fruit 
which encompasses the seed. G. peri, about, karpos, 
fruit. 

PERICRANIUM, s. A membrane which covers the 
skull. G. fieri, about, and kranion, the skull. 

PERIGEE, s. A point in the heavens, where a planet 
is in its nearest distance from the earth. G. fieri, to- 
wards, and ge, the earth. 

PERIHELIUM. s. That point of a planet's orbit, where- 
in it is nearest to the sun. G. fieri, towards, and helios, 
the sun. 

PERIOD, s. A round of time; a conclusion; a point of 
time; a grammatical point (.). G. periodos; comp. of 
peri, through, or around, and odos, a way. 

PERIPATETIC, adj. Relating to the peripatetics; to 
the philosophy of Aristotle and his followers, who 
taught whilst walking. G. peri, about, and pateo, to 
walk. 

PERIPHERY, s. Circumference. G. peri, around, and 
phero, to carry. 

PERIPHRASIS, s. Circumlocution. G. periphrasis; 
from peri, around, and phrasis, a speech. 

PERIPNEUMONIA, s. Inflammation of the lungs. 
G. peri, about, said fine union, the lungs. 

PERITONEUM, s. The soft, thin membrane, which 
lies immediately under the muscles of the lower ab- 
domen. G. peri, about, and teino, to stretch out. 

PERJURE, v. To swear falsely. L. perjuroj comp. of 
per, through, or under pretence, and juro, to swear. 

PERMANENT, a dj. Durable; lasting. L. permanent, 
part, oipermaneo: per, through, and maneo, to re- 
main. 

PERMISSION, s. Leave; allowance. F. permission: L. 
permissus, p. part, of permitto. — See PERMIT. 

PERMIT, -v. To allow. L.per?nitto; from per, through, 
and mi tto, to send j that is, to allow a passage, or en- 
trance. 



Evening Song of the Fyrqlese Peasants.* 
By Mrs IJemans. 
Come to the Suit-.et Free! 

The day ; s pus! and gone; 
The w»od?ftah's axe lies free, 
A<id the reaper's work is done. 

The twilight star to fteaven, 

And the summer dew to flowers: 
And rest to us is given 

By tine cool suit evening hours. 



Swe. t is the hour of rest! 

Pleasant the wind's low sigh, 
An! the gleaning of the west. 

And die luri* whereon we lie. 

When the burden and the heat 

(X labor's (ask are o'er; 
And icindlv voices greet 

The tired one at his door. 

Come to the Sun set Free! 

The day isp.iot ;»nd gone; 
The woodman"* :ac lies free, 

And the reaper's* work is done. 

Yes, tuneful is the sound 

That dwells in whispering boughsj 
We'come the freshness round, 

And the gale that fans oUr brows. 

But revt, more sweet and still 
Than ever night-fall gave, 



Oiu 



ring hearts shall nil. 



In the world beyond the grave* 



There shall no tempest blow, 
V; schorching noon-tide beat 
be no more snow, 
vvanaecti.g i^t. 



No wears 



And we will lift our trusting eyes, 
From toe hiiis oar fathers trod, 

To the quiet of the skies. 
To the sabbuth of our God. 

Cotne to the Sun-set Tree! 

The day is past and gone, 
The woodman's axe lies f'rse, 

\nd the reaper's,; work is done. 



♦"The loved hour of repose is striking, Let us 

ceir.eto »h- .- au». «et Tree." "' <'*ptam Sherer's 

interesting »«*es and Re' **>»mble in 
Germany. 



suspenders, calicoes, shirtings book' muslin, qnil 
cloths, sewing silks, and many other articles. 
No admittance for boys, 
jiprll 3 GEO. JOHNSON.^ 

Elegant Furniture at Auction. 

AT half past 9 o'clock on Wednesday the 9th inst 
at the residence of Mr. Join S Miller, ort Wash 
ington-strect. w no is about to remove frtm town, hi? 

Household and Kitchen Furniture^ 
being perhaps, of the very best quality < f any in town, 
if not in the D\ trict, having been wholly pur< hased 
bv a careful and experienced hand, in the Philadel- 
phia market within the last 2 years and cautiously used 
since that time, ll consists in par! of 

.# very superb sideboard, 1 prof card tables 
3 dining tables, mahogany and other chairs 
iMfantle and pier g'a ses 

Mahogany and curled maple curtain bedsteads 
Venetian stair and entry carpeting 
Venetian inside blinds 

1 elegant wash stand with marble slab, plain do 
1 set of French china vases vvtth shades 
Bureaus, 1 dressing table wiih mirror, plain do 
Straw matting for two rooms and passive 
Passage lamp, 1 pah astral l*mps and mantle do 
Cut glass, fender, kitchen furniture 
^nd h great variety of almost every article in use in 
the most fashionable families. Terms a.sh 

To give the ladies an opportunity of viewing the 
furniture, the house will be opened the morning pre- 
vious to the sale. 

april 2 GEO. JOUNSOiV, Mict. 

(£/" The National intelligencer wdi please insert 
the above till day of sale. 

""TRUSTEE'S SALE. ~ 

UNDER the authority of » de<d of trust to Ihe sub- 
scriber, will be sold at auction, on toe premies, 
at 4 o'clock, P. M. on Thursday the 29th day of .ipril 
next, one-half of the 

WAREHOUSES Sf WH/iRF 

in this town, known as Voweil's. The sale will b' po« 
sitiveand terms made known at time &nd plac- o; sale, 

john dovglms, 

march 29 -eots Trustee. 

"Trust $%Afc.- " 

BY virtue of a deed of trust to me, dulv recorded 
November term, 1815, (B. B folio 1),I shall pro- 
ceed to sell at public auction, to the highest bidder, 
at 12 o'clock, M. on Saturday, ihe I2tk inst. that spa- 
cious and well built 

Brick vW, rehouse, and vacant Lot ad- 
l 'tt»t J 0H!n1 ^ on tne n °rth side, situate on the east 
1 1 ^ ^ side of Washington between King and Came- 

"v ron-streets. 

The dimension^ of the warehouse and vacant lot 

| given \ r Town at the time and place 

12 and 18 *}*nths will be 

; y, bearing \*&&* \ nd t0 



PER—PER 

PERNICIOUS, adj. Highly injurious; destructive. L. 

perniciosus; from per, through, and noceo, to hurt; 

meaning, to injure largely. 
PERORATION, adj. The conclusion of a formal 

» speech. L. peroratio; from per, throughout, and oro, 
to speak : meaning, to recapitulate. 
PERPENDICULAR, adj. Hanging or being in a di- 
rection towards the centre of gravity; placed so as to 
form right angles. L. perpendicularis ; per, by, and 
pendeo, to hang from. 

PERPETUAL, adj. Never ceasing. L. perpetuus; 
perpetuor, to allow : from per, throughout, and patior, 
to suffer, forbear, or endure unhurt. 

PERPLEX, v. To puzzle; to entangle, la. per, through, 
and plexus, p. part, of plecto, to twist. 

PERQUISITE, s. Something gained by a place or of- 
fice, besides the regular wages. ~L.perguisitus, p. part, 
of perquiro, to make diligent; per, through, and gua- 
ro, to seek. 

PER SE. By itself; by himself, or herself; by them- 
selves. L. per, by, se, itself, himself, herself, or them- 
selves. 

PERSECUTE, v. To pursue with malignity; to tease. 
~L.persecutus, part, of persequor; from per, through, 
and seguor, to follow. 

PERSEVERE, v. To persist. "L.persevero; perseverus, 
very severe, rigorous : from per, through, and sever us, 
serious, exact. 

PERSIST, v. To persevere. L. persisto; from per, 
through, and sisto, to continue. 

PERSPECTIVE, s. View; the science by which ob- 
jects are properly delineated. F. perspeclif; L. per- 
spectus, p. part, ofperspicio, to see plainly. 

PERSPICACITY, s. Quickness of sight. L. perspicax, 
quick-sighted; from per, through, and specio, to see. 

PERSPICUITY, s. Clearness of discourse or writing. 
L. perspicuitas; from per, through, and specio, to see. 

PERSPIRE, -v. To pass through the pores of the skin. 
L. from per, through, and spiro, to breathe, or exhale. 

PERTAIN, v. To belong. L. pertineo; from per, by, 
and teneo, to hold. 



PER— PHA 

PERTINACIOUS, adj. Obstinate; resolute, t. fierfc 
nax; from per, by, and teneo, to hold. 

PERTINENT, adj. Suiting the purpose. L.pertinens. 
—See PERTAIN. 

PERTURB, v. To disquiet; to disturb ; to disorder. L. 
perturbo: per, through, and turbo, to disorder: turba, 
a crowd. 

PERUSE, v. To read. L. from per, through, and usus, 
part, of utor, to use or be conversant with. 

PERVADE, v. To extend throughout. L. pervado; 
from per, through, and vado, to march, or move. 

PERVERSE, adj. Perverted; stubborn. F. perversa — 
See PERVERSION. 

PERVERSION, s. The act of perverting. F. perver- 
sion: L. perversus, p. part, of perverto. — See PER- 
VERT. 

PERVERT, v. To turn from the original or proper 
design. L. perverto; from per, across, and verto, to 
turn. 

PERVIOUS, adj. Admitting a passage. L. perviusj 
from per, through, and via, a way. 

PEST. s. Plague; something teasing. Y.peste: L.pes- 
tis, infection, mischief. 

PESTIFEROUS, adj. Pestilential; destructive; infec- 
tious. L. from pestis, a pest, or infection, and fero, to 
carry. 

PETAL, s. The leaf of a flower. G. petalon, a leaf. 

PETIT, or PETTY, adj. A petit jury consists of 
twelve, and is of inferior rank to the grand jury. F. 
petit, small. 

PETITION, s. Request; prayer. L. petitio; from pet o, 
to ask. 

PETIT-MAITRE. s. A coxcomb; a beau. F. petit, lit- 
tle, and maitre, a master. 

PETRIFY, v. To change to stone. L. petra, a rock, and 
Jio, to become. 

PETTY, adj. Small; mean.— See PETIT. 

PETULANT, adj. Insolent; saucy. L. petulans; from 
peto, to demand. 

PHANTASM, s. Something appearing only in the 
imagination. Q.,phantasma; from phaino, to appear. 



PHA— PHL 

PHANTASMAGORIA. *. An optical exhibition of 
figures resembling the supposed form of spectres, Sec. 
by means of a sort of magic lantern. G. fihantasma, a 
spectre, and agora, an assembly. 

PHANTOM. s. A spectre. F '. fihantome; from fihaino, 
to appear. 

PHARMACEUTIC, or PHARMACEUTICAL, adj. 

Relating to pharmacy. G. fiharmakeutikos. See 

PHARMACY. 

PHARMACOPOEIA, s. A dispensatory; a book con- 
taining rules for the composition of medicines. G, 
fiharmakon, medicine, and fioieo, to make. 

PHARMACY, s. The art of preparing medicines. G. 
fiharmakon, a medicine. 

PHASES, s. Appearances exhibited by any body; as 
the changes of the moon. G. fihasis, an appearance. 

PHENOMENON, s. Appearance; extraordinary ap- 
pearance. G. fihainomenon; from fihainomai, to ap- 
pear. 

PHILANTHROPY. s. Love of mankind. G.fihileo,to 
love, and anthrofios, a man. 

PHILIPPIC. s. An invective declamation: — from the 
speeches of Demosthenes against Philip,, king of Ma- 
cedon. 

PHILOLOGY, s. Grammatical learning; criticism. G. 
fihileo, to love, and logos, a word, — meaning, lan- 
guage. 

PHILOMEL, s. A nightingale. G. Philomela, a Gre- 
cian female, who is fabulously related to have been 
changed into a bird. 

PHILOSOPHY, s. Knowledge, natural or moral ; study 
of nature, Sec. L. fihilosofihia: G. fihileo, to love, so- 
fihia, wisdom. 

PHILTER, s. Something to excite love. G. fihiltron; 
from fihileo, to love. 

PHLEBOTOMY, s. The science or practice of bleed- 
ing. G. fihlebotomia; fihlebos, gen. of fihlefis, a vein, 
and temno, to cut. 

PHLEGM, s. Watery humour of the body, which is 
supposed to produce sluggishness. G. fihlegma, in- 
flammation. 



PHL— PIL 

PHLEGMATIC, adj. Abounding in phlegm ; generating 
phlegm; dull. G. fihlegmatikos. — See PHLEGM. 

PHLOGISTON, s. An exploded chemical name for an 
imaginary substance, thought to be a constituent 
part of all inflammable bodies. G. fihlogizo, to burn. 

PHOSPHORUS, s. A chemical substance, which ig- 
nites when exposed to the air. G. fihos, light, and 
fiber o, to bring. 

PHRASE, s. An expression; a mode of speech. G. 
fihrasis, a saying, an idiom. 

PHRASEOLOGY, s. Style; diction. G. fihrasis, man- 
ner of speaking, and logos, a word. 

'PHRENETIC, adj. G.— See FRENETIC. 

PHRENSY. s. G.— See FRENZY. 

PHTHISICAL, adj. Consumptive.— See PHTHISIS. 

PHTHISIS, s. A consumption. G. phthisis ; from fihthio. 
to waste. 

PHYLACTERY, s. A bandage worn by the Jews, on 
which was inscribed some remarkable sentence, as a 
charm. G. fihulakterion; fihulake, a guardian. 

PHYSIC, s. The science of healing; medicine. G.fihu- 
sike, natural philosophy: fihusis, nature. 

PHYSICAL, adj. Relating to nature or to physic; re- 
lating to natural power See PHYSIC. 

PHYSICS, s. The study of nature.-— See PHYSIC. 

PHYSIOGNOMY, s. The fallacious science of disco- 
vering the passions in the features of the face. G. 
fihuniognomonia; from fihusis, nature, and ginosko, to 
know. 

PHYSIOLOGY, s. The doctrine of the constitution of 
the works of nature. G. fihusis, nature, and logos, a 
description. 

PICTURE, s. A delineated resemblance. L. fiictura; 
from fiictusy p. part, of fiingo, to paint, or describe. 

PIGMENT, s. Paint. L. fiigmentum ; from fiingo, to 
paint. 

PIGMY, s. A diminutive person. Derived from a na- 
tion of dwarfs, recorded by the ancients. L. fiygm<nus; 
G. fiugmaios; from fiugme, a measure of length from 
the fist to the elbow. 

PILOSITY. s. Hairiness. L. fiilosus, hairy: flilus, hair. 



I 



PIQ— PLA 

PIQUANT, adj. Sharp or pungent; severe. Y. piquant, 

part, oipiquer, to pierce. 
PIQUE, s. Ill will; offence taken, F. pique: fiiquer, to 

pierce. 
PIRATE, s. A sea-robber. L. pirata; G.peirates; from 

peirazo, to try, or to seize. 
PISCES, s. A sign of the zodiac. L. /usees, pi. of piscis, 

a fish. 
PISCIVOROUS, adj. Living on fish. L. ftUtfe t a fish, 

and voro, to devour. 
PITTANCE, s. A small portion. F. pitance, an allow- 
ance for one meal in a monastery. 
PIVOT, s. A pin on which any thing turns. F. pivot, a 

hinge or axis. 
PLACARD, s. An advertisement placed against a wall, 

Sec. F. placard; from placer, to place. 
PLACID, adj. Gentle; kind. L, placidus; from placeo, 

to please. 
PLAGIARY, s. A thief in literature; one who steals 

the thoughts or writings of another. L.plagiarius; G. 

plagiarios; from plagios, oblique, sly. 
PLANET, s. One of the heavenly bodies which move 

around the sun. L. planeta; G. planao, to wander. 
PLANIMETRY, s. Mensuration of plane surfaces. L. 

planus, a plane, and G. metreo, to measure. 
PLANISPHERE, s. A map of one or both hemi- 
spheres, drawn on a fiat surface. L. planus, level, and 

spkaira, a sphere. 
PLANOCONVEX, adj. Flat on one side, and round on 

the other. L. planus, level, and convexus, crooked, 

or arched. 
PLASTER, s. An adhesive composition. F. piastre; Q, 

plasso, to form. 
PLASTIC, adj. Having the power to give form. G.plas- 

tikos; from plasso, to form. 
PLATONIC, adj. Platonic love is purely mental; not 

sensual. Plato, the Athenian philosopher. 
PLAUDIT, s. Loud applause. L. plaudo, to make a 

noise by clapping. 
PLAUSIBLE, adj. Such as gains approbation; right 

in appearance; specious. L. plausibilis. — See PLAU- 
DIT. 



PLE— PLU 

PLEBEIAN, adj. Relating or belonging to the common 
people; vulgar. L. plebes, the common people. 

PLEIADES, s. A northern constellation. G. Pleiades; 
a name given to seven daughters of Atlas, who are 
fabulously related to have been placed in the heavens 
after death. 

PLENARY, adj. Full; without any exception. L. ple- 
nus, full. 

PLENIPOTENTIARY. *. A negotiator invested with 
full power to conclude a treaty. F '. plenipotentiare; L. 
plenus, full, and potentia, power. 

PLENITUDE, s. Fulness; completeness. F. plenitude; 
L. plenitude: plenus, full. 

PLENTY, s. Sufficiency. L. plenus, full. 

PLEONASM, s. The using of more words than are ne- 
cessary. L. fileonasmus; G. pleonazo, to abound. 

PLETHORA, s. Injurious abundance of the humours 
in the human vessels. G. plethora; from plethos, abun- 
dance. 

PLEURISY, s. An inflammatory disorder near the 
breast. G. pleura, a membrane which girds or sur- 
rounds the ribs. 

PLIABLE, adj. Flexible. F. pliable; from plier, to 
bend. 

PLIERS., s. An instrument used for bending wire, &c. 
F. plier, to bend. 

PLINTH, s. A flat, square member, which serves as a 
foundation to the base of a pillar; a square projection 
at the bottom of a wall. G. plinthos, a tile. 

PLUMAGE, s. Feathers.— See PLUME. 

PLUMB, s. A plummet; a leaden weight suspended to 
a cord, in order to mark a line perpendicular to the 
horizon. — adj. Perpendicular to the horizon. L. plum- 
bum, lead. 

PLUME, s. A feather; a bunch of feathers. L. pluma, 
a feather. - ' 

PLUME, v. To adorn with plumes; to feel pride. — See 
the substantive. When it is said that a man plumes 
himself, it is figuratively denoting that he dresses 
Iiimself in gaudy feathers, as a reward of his assumed 
merit. 



PLU— POL 

PLUMIGEROUS. adj. Feathered, h.pluma, a feather, 

and gero, to carry. 
PLUMMET, s. A leaden weight suspended to a 

cord, to ascertain depth and perpendicularity. — See 

PLUMB. 
PLUPERFECT, adj. The name of a grammatical tense, 

marked by the auxiliary had. L. plus, more, and per- 
fect. 
PLURAL, adj. Implying more than one. L. pluralist 

from pluris, gen. of plus, more. 
PLURALITY, s. A number more than one; majority. 

—See PLURAL. 
PLUS. More; opposed to minus. L. 
PNEUMATICS, s. The science of the density and 

pressure of the atmosphere. G. pneuma, wind. 
POACHER, 's. One who steals game. F. poc/ie, a pocket 

or bag. 
POEM. s. The work of a poet; a metrical composition. 

L. poemaj G. poiema. — See POET. 
POET. s. An author of fiction, generally in measured 

verses or rhyme. L. po'e'ta; G. poieo, to do, or invent. 
POIGNANT, adj. Sharp; painful. F. poignant; Ij.fiun- 

go, to prick. 
POINT, s. The sharp end ; moment; grammatical stop; 

degree, Sec. F. point; L. punctus or punctum, from 

pungo, to prick. 
POLEMICAL, adj. Controversial. G. polemikos; from 

polemos, war. 
POLICE, s. The regulation or government of a city or 

country, so far as respects the inhabitants; a guard 

under the orders of the police government. F. police: 

G. po lis, a city. 
POLICY, s. The art of government; prudence; man- 
agement of affairs; stratagem. — See POLICE. 
POLISH, v. To make smooth and bright; to make ele- 
gant in manners. L. polio, to make smooth. 
POLITE, adj. Elegant in manners; refined. L. politus* 

p. part, of polio.— See POLISH. 
POLITICAL, adj. Relating to national affairs. G..,/*p~, 

litikos; polis, a city or state. 
POLLUTE, v. To defile; to corrupt. L, polluo,, to in- 



POL— POR 

feet; from G. polu, much, and L. lues, pestilence or 

blight. 
POLYGAMY, s. Plurality of wives. Q.polugamia; from 

polus, many, and gameo, to marry. 
POLYGLOT, s. A book which has many languages. 

G. poluglottos ; from polus, many, and glotta, a 

tongue. 
POLYGON, s. A figure of many angles. G. polus, 

many, and gonia, a corner, or angle. 
POLYGRAM, s. A figure consisting of many lines. G. 

polus, many, and gramme, a line. 
POLYPUS, s. Signifies, in general, any thing with many 

roots, or feet. It is used to denote also a particular ex- 
crescence of the nose. G.polupous; polus, many, and 

pous, a foot. 
POLYSYLLABLE, s. A word containing more than 

three syllables. G. polus, many, and syllable. 
POLYTECNIC. adj. A polytecnic school is an insti- 
tution where many sciences are taught. G. polus, 

many, and techne, an art or science. 
POLYTHEIST. s. One who believes in a plurality of 

gods. G. polus, many, and theos, a god. 
POMP. s. Splendour; pride. ~L.pompa; G.pompe; from 

pempo, to. send forth. 
PONDER, v. To consider. L. pondero, to weigh. 
PONDEROUS, adj. Heavy. L. ponderosus; pondus, a 

load. 
PONTON, s. A military bridge. F. ponton; L. pons, a 

bridge. 
POPULACE, s. The common people. F. populace; L. 

populus, the people. 
POPULAR, adj. Suitable to the common people; be- 
loved by the people. L. popular is; from populus, the 

people. 
POPULOUS, adj. Thickly inhabited. L.populosus; from 

populus, a people. 
PORCELAIN, s. Fine earthen-ware. Y.porcelaine; from 

the Portuguese, porcellana, a cup. 
PORE. s. Spiracle of the skin; passage of perspiration ; 

any narrow spiracle or hole. G. poros, a passage. 
PORE. v. To inspect with minute attention. Derived 



POR— POS 

from the noun; meaning, to look into the smallest 

cavity, or examine for the least defect, &c. 
PORT. s. A harbour for ships; L. fiortus: an aperture 

for cannon; porta, a gate: from porto, to carry: — 

merchandise is carried to and from a harbour, and 

through a gate: — a port- hole is a small gate. 
PORTABLE, adj. That may be easily carried. L. fior- 

tabilis; from porto, to carry. 
PORTAGE, s. Price of carriage; land-road, between 

two navigable waters. F. portage; L. porto, to carry. 
PORTCULLIS, s. A gate, in a fortified place, sus- 
pended in a groove. F.portcoulisse: port, a gate, and 

coulisse, a groove: couler, to glide. 
PORTEND. ~u. To give notice by some appearance. 

L. portendo; from porto, to carry: that is, to carry a 

sign. 
PORTER, s. A common carrier; L. porto, to carry: a 

gate-keeper; porta, a gate. — See PORT. 
PORTFOLIO, s. A case for large papers. L. porto, to 

carry, and folium, a leaf. — See FOLIO. 
PORTION, s. A part; a share. F '. portion; h.portio, a 

part. 
PORTLY, adj. Stately. L. porto, to carry; meaning to 

carry or hold the person erectly. 
PORTMANTEAU, *. A bag for carrying clothes. F. 

portmanteau; from porter, to carry, and manteau, a 

cloak. 
PORTRAIT, s. A picture, generally of a human being. 

F. portrait.— See PORTRAY. 
PORTRAY, v. To describe by picture. F. portraire: 

pour, for, and L. traho, to draw. 
POSITION. .9. Situation; posture; principle laid down. 

L. fiositio; from positus, p. part, of pono, to place. 
POSITIVE, adj. Absolutely fixed ; dogmatical. L. po~ 

sitivus; from pono. — See POSITION. 
POSSE', s. An attendant crowd; a vulgar abbreviation 

of posse comitatus. 
POSSE COMITATUS. The power of the inhabitants 

of a county; which the sheriff is authorized to call 

forth, when opposition is made to the execution of 

justice. L. posse, (infin. of possum,) to have the power, 

comitatus, of the county. 

C'9*3 



POS— POS 

POSSESSION, s. The state of having in one's own 

hands or power; property. L. floaaeaaio; from floaae, 

(infin. of flossum,) to have power. 
POSSIBLE, adj. Practicable. L. flossibilisj from posse, 

to be able, to have power. 
POST. s. Station; employment; office; a hasty mes- 
senger, who has the advantage of horses, placed at 

convenient stations; quick manner of traveling; (a 

piece of timber, Sec. set upright; L. flostis.) F.floste: 

L. flositus, p. part, of flono, to place. 
POSTDATE, v. To date after the real time. L. float, 

after, and date. 
POSTDILUVIAN, adj. After the Flood. L. float, after, 

and diluvium, a deluge. 
POSTERIOR, adj. Subsequent; hinder. L. flosterior; 

from float, after. 
POSTERITY, a. Succeeding generations. L. flosterU 

tas; from flost, after, and hares, a possessor. 
POSTERN, s. A back-gate; a little private gate or door. 

L. flost, behind. 
POST FACTO. After the deed. L. flost, after, and 

facto, abl. of factum, a deed. 
POSTHUMOUS, adj. After death. "L.flosthumus; from 

flost, after, and humo, to bury: humo is from humus, 

earth. 
POSTILLION, s. One who guides the leading horses of 

a post-chaise; one who guides a post-chaise. F. flost- 

ilion. — See POST. 
POSTMERIDIAN, adj. After noon. I,, float, after, and 

meridian. 
POST MORTEM. After death. L. flost, after, mor- 
tem, accus. of mora, death. 
POST OBIT. A float-obit bond is that which promises 

payment of money after the death of a certain person; 

generally by his heir. L. float, after, obit, he dies : from 

obeo. 
POSTPONE, v. To adjourn; to delay. L. flostflono; 

comp. of float, after, and flono, to place. 
POSTSCRIPT, s. A paragraph added to the end of a 

letter. L. float, after, and scrifltus, p. part, of scribo, 

to write. 



POS— -PRE 

POSTULATE, s. A position supposed or assumed 
without proof. L. jiostnlatus, part, of fiostulo, to will, 
or demand. 

POSTURE, s. State; position. F. posture; h.fio&ifura. 
—See POSITION. 

POTABLE, adj. Such as may be drank. L. fiotabilis; 
from fioto, to drink. 

POTATION, s. Draught; species of drink. L. fiotatio: 
fiot On to drink. 

POTENT, adj. Having power; strong; efficacious. L. 
fiotens, part, of fiossum, to be able. 

POTENTATE, s. A sovereign. F./iotentat. — See PO- 
TENT. 

POTENTIAL, adj. The potential mood denotes the 
power or possibility of acting. L. /lotentialis. — See 
POTENT. 

POVERTY, s. Indigence; meagerness. F. fiauvretej 
L. fiau/ier, poor. 

PRACTICAL, adj. Relating to action; not theoretical. 
—See PRACTICE. 

PRACTICE, s. Use; custom; habit; performance; me- 
dical treatment ; professional employment. L. firacti- 
cus, practical: G. firaktike; firasso, to act. 

PRAGMATIC adj. Meddling; intrusive. F. flrag- 
matique; G. pragma, business. 

PREAMBLE, s. Preface. F. /ireambule; L. /irce, be- 
fore, and ambulo, to walk. 

PREBENDARY, s. A stipendiary of a cathedral. L. 
firebendarius; from /ir&beo, to allow. 

PRECARIOUS, adj. Dependent; uncertain, because 
depending on the will of another. L. /irecarius: from 
/irecor, to supplicate. 

PRECAUTION, s. Preventive measure. L. fires, be- 
fore, and caution. 

PRECEDE, v. To go before. L. /iracedo; comp. of 
fir a, before, and cedo, to quit or depart. 

PRECEDENT, s. A rule or example to future times. 
L. /iracedens, part, of /iracedo.— See PRECEDE. 

PRECENTOR, s. Leader of a choir. L. /iracentor; from 
firacirior, to sing before: comp. of fira, before, and 
canoy to sing. 



PRE— PRE 

PRECEPT, -s. Rule; commandment. L. praceptum; 

from fine, before, and capio, to take or design. 
PRECEPTOR, s. A teacher. L.fli-acefitor.—See PRE- 
CEPT. 
PRECESSION, s. The act of preceding. F. precession: 

L. processus, part, of pracedo. — See PRECEDE. 
PRECINCT, s. Boundary; suburb. L.pracinctus; from 

prczcingo, to enclose. 
PRECIOUS, adj. Valuable. L. pretiosus; from preti- 

um, a price. 
PRECIPICE, s. A perpendicular declivity. L. pracipi- 

(ium.—See PRECIPITATE. 
PRECIPITATE, v. To throw head-foremost; to fall 

head -foremost; to hurry forward. L. prcecipito; pra, 

before, and caput, the head. 
PRECISE, adj. Exact; formal. L. pracisus, p. part, of 

pnscido, to pare off. 
PRECLUDE, v. To prevent. L. pracludo; from prg, 

before, and claudo, to shut. 
PRECOCITY, s. Early maturity. L. precox; from 

prce, before,- and coq?io, to boil, or ripen. 
PRECOGNITION, s. Previous knowledge. L.prcs, be- 
fore, and cognition. 
PRECONCEIVE v. To conceive previously. L. pra, 

before, and conceive. 
PRECURSOR, s. Forerunner. L. precursor; from/jr<£, 

before, and curro, to run. 
PRED AL. adj. Plundering. L. prada, plunder. 
PREDATORY, adj. Plundering; ravenous. L. prada- 

torius; from prada, plunder. 
PREDECESSOR, s. One that preceded another. F. 

predecesseur; L. prce, before, and decessus, part, of 

decedo, to depart. 
PREDESTINATE, v. To appoint beforehand, h.pra, 

before, and destino, to design. 
PREDETERMINE, v. To determine previously. L. 

pr<z, before, and determine. 
PREDIAL, adj. Consisting of farms. L. prxdium, & farm, 
PREDICATE, v. To affirm. L. predicoj from pra, be- 
fore, and dicoy to say. 
PREDICT, v. To foretel. L. pr -indicium , sup. of prtf' 

dico; from pra, before, and dico, to say. 



PRE— PRE 

PREDOMINANT, adj. Having the*ascendancy ; pre- 
valent. F. predominant; L. fires, before, and domi- 
"nant. 

PRE-EMINENT, adj. Supremely eminent. L. fir a, 
before, and eminent. 

PRE-EMPTION, s. The right of purchasing before 
another. L. fir a, before, and emfitio, a purchasing: 
emfittts, p. part, ofmo, to purchase. 

PRE-EXIST, v. To exist previously. L. fira, before, 
and exist. 

PREFACE, s. Introductory discourse. L. fireefatio; from 
fir a, before, and fatus, spoken. 

PREFATORY, adj. Introductory. L.— -See PREFACE. 

PREFECT, v. A governor; a commander. L. fircefec- 
tus; from fir xjicio, to put in authority: fires, before, 
and /a £70, to make. 

PREFER, -v. To regard more than another; to advance. 
L. fir&fero; from fine, before, and fero, to bring or 
carry. 

PREFIX, -v. To place before. L. from fine, before, 
and fix. 

PREGNANT, adj. With young; teeming; full. F.fireg- 
nant; L. firagnans: firee, before, and gigno, to engen- 
der, or bring forth. 

PREJUDGE, v. To judge previously, without waiting 
for proper evidence. L. firce, before, and judge. 

PREJUDICE, s. Judgment formed without examina- 
tion ; (injury : but this sense is improper ;) L. fir a judici- 
um; from firce, before, and judicium, judgment. 

PRELATE, s. An ecclesiastic of the highest order. L. 
fircelatus; from fires, before, and latus, part, of fcror, 
to be borne. 

PRELIMINARY, adj. Introductory. L. fires, before, 
and limen, a threshold or entrance. 

PRELUDE, s. Introductory entertainment ; precursor. 
L. firaeludium; from fires, before, and ludo, to play. 

PREMATURE, adj, Unfinished; immature. L. fireema- 
turus; from firce, before, and maturus, ripe. 

PREMEDITATE, v. To think upon previously; to 
design. L. fires, before, an^o 1 meditate. 

PREMIER, s. A chief; a prime minister. F. firemier; 
L, firunus, first. 



PRE—PRE 

PREMISE, v. To make a previous explanation, or pro- 
position. L. firaj before, and missum, sup. of mitto, to 
send. 

PREMISES. .?. Propositions antecedently supposed or 
proved ; also, by a perversion of language, house, or 
lands.— See PREMISE. 

PREMIUM, s. Something given to invite a loan or bar- 
gain; a reward. L./frtram, — See PROEM. 

PRE-OCCUPY. -v. To occupy previously. L. prce, be- 
fore, and occupy. 

PREPARE, v. To make ready. L. przparo; from p res, 
before, and fiaro, to shape. 

PREPENSE, adj. Preconceived; contrived before-hand ; 
as malice prepense. L. prepensus; pra, before, and 
pensus, p. part, ofpendo, to weigh or deliberate on. 

PREPONDERATE, v. To outweigh; to overpower by 
superior influence. L. prapondero: Jirce, before, and 
pondero, to weigh. 

PREPOSITION, s. In grammar, an indeclinable word 
governing a case. L,.pr<zpositio; from p?*cs, before, 
and fiositus, p. part, of pono, to place. 

PREPOSSESS, -v. To impress an opinion before due 
examination; to prejudice. L. fira, before, and pos- 
sess. 

PREPOSTEROUS, adj. Having that first, which ought 
to be last; perverted; absurd. L. praposterus; prx, 
before, and posterns, the following: post, after. 

PREROGATIVE, s. Peculiar privilege. L. prczroga- 
tiva; from prx, before, and rogo, to demand or pro- 
pose : — alluding to a privilege enjoyed by some per- 
sons in Rome, of giving their votes the first. 

PRESAGE, s. Prognostic. L. prasagium; from prce, be- 
fore, and sagax, cunning. 

PRESBYTERIAN, s. An advocate for the government 
of the church by presbyteries, composed of elders. G. 
presbuteros, an elder. 

PRESCIENCE, s. Foreknowledge. L. prtesciens, part 
of predscio; from pra, before, and scio, to know. 

PRESCRIBE, v. -To order. L. prcsscriboj from pra y 

- before, and scribo, to write, or appoint. 

PRESCRIPTION, s. Custom which has become law; 
medical receipt. L. prescript lo. — -See PRESCRIBE. 



PRE—PRE 

PRES'ENT. adj. Not absent; not past, nor future. F. 
jireesent; L. praesens, part, of firaenum: comp. of firee, 
before, (meaning in presence of,) and sum*, I am. 

PRESENT', v. To place in the presence of; to exhibit 
to view or notice; to offer as a gift.— See the ad- 
jective. 

PRES'ENT. s. A gift; pL presents, things written, and 
presented or offered in the manner of evidence, — as in 
a lease, Sec. — See the verb. 

PRESIDE, v. To sit as president. ~L. firaesideoj from 
firse, before, and sedeo, to sit. 

PRESIDENT, s. One who presides or occupies the 
highest place. L. firaesidens, part, of firaesideo. — See 
PRESIDE. 

PRESUME, -v. To assume before permission, or proof. 
L. firsesumo: from jirae, before, and sumo, to take. 

PRESUMPTION, s. Assumption without permission. 
L. jiraesumfitus.) p. part, of firsesumo. — See PRE- 
SUME. 

PRETEND, v. To make a false representation. ~L.jfirse- 
tendo; from firse, before, and tendo, to stretch forth 
[something as a deception.] 

PRETERIMPERFECT. adj. An irrational term, ap- 
plied, by some grammarians, to one of the past tenses. 
L. jirseter, beside, and imperfect. 

PRETERIT, adj. Past. L. firseteritus, p. part, of jirse- 
tereo; from fireeter, beside, and eo, to go. 

PRETERNATURAL, adj. Not natural; miraculous. 
L. firmer, more than, and natural. 

PRETERPERFECT. adj. An irrational term, applied, 
by some grammarians, to one of the past tenses. L./rra?- 
ter. beside, and perfect. 

PRETERPLUPERFECT. adj. An irrational term, ap- 
plied, by some grammarians, to one of the past tenses. 
L. fir&ter, beside, and pluperfect. 

PRETEXT, -s. Pretence. L. firxtextus, p. part, of 
firaetexo, to cloak or cover : firee, before, and tectus, 
p. part, of tego, to cover. 

PREVAIL, v. To overcome ; (with on, over, or against,} 
to predominate; to have influence. ~L.firsevaleo; from 
firse, before, and valeo, to be strong. 



PRE— PRI 

• 

PREVALENT, adj. Predominant; common. L. prse- 
valens, part, of prxvaleo. — See PREVAIL. 

PREVARICATE, v. To vary in giving evidence. L. 
prevaricor; from prde, concerning, and vario, to vary. 

PREVENT, v. To obstruct. L. praeventum, sup. of 
prsevenio: pra, before, and venio, to come. 

PREVIOUS, adj. Antecedent. L. pravius; pne, be- 
fore, and via, a road ; that is, being before another in 
proceeding. 

PRIMA-FACIE. On the first view; without referring 
to any thing subsequently. L. prima, on the first, facie, 
face, or figure: primus, and fades. 

PRIMATE, s. The chief bishop. L. primatus, the chief 
place; from primus, first. 

PRIME, adj. The first; the best. L. primus, first. 

PRIME, v. To put powder in the pan of a gun; to lay 
on the first paint.-— See the verb. 

PRIMER, s. A child's school-book. L. primus, first. 

PRIMEVAL, adj. Such as was at first. L. primavus; 
from primus, first, and cevum, an age. 

PRIMITIVE, adj. Original; ancient; uncompounded. 
"L^primitivus: primus, first. 

PRIMOGENITURE, s. Seniority. F. primogeniture; 
L. primus, first, and genitus, begotten. 

PRIMORDIAL, adj. Original. L. primordium, the be- 
ginning; from primus, first, and ordo, a rule. 

PRIMROSE, s. An early flower. L. primus, first, and 
rose. 

PRIMUM MOBILE'. That which gives motion to 
all the other parts. L. primum, the first, mobile, moved: 
primus and mobilis. 

PRINCE, s. A sovereign; son of a king. F. prince; L. 
princefis, first, chief. 

PRINCIPAL, adj. Chief; essential; important. F. prin- 
cipal; L. principalis. — See PRINCIPLE. 

PRIJYCIPIA, NOJY HOMINES. Principles, not men ; 
the motto c hosen by Mr. Monroe, when elected presi- 
dent of the United States. 

PRINCIPLE, s. Element; constituent part; rule; mo- 
ral guide. F '. principe: L. principium: principis, gen. 
of j'rriuceps, first, original. 

PRIOR, a dj. Former; anterior. L. prior, the former. 






PRI— PRO 

PRIORITY, s. Precedence, in time or place.- — See 
PRIOR. 

PRISON, s. A jail. F. prison; pris, part, of prendre, 
to seize. 

PRISTINE, adj. Ancient ; former. L. pristinus, an- 
cient. 

PRIVATE, adj. Retired; secret; individual. L. priva- 
tus, p. part, oiprivo, to take away. 

PRIVATION, s. Removal of something desired. L.pri- 
vatio; from privo, to take away. 

PRIVILEGE, s. Peculiar advantage ; something of 
which others are deprived; private right. Y. privilege; 
L. privilegium; privus, particular, and legis, gen. of 
lex, a law.— See PRIVATE. 

PRIVITY, s. Private communication; private concur- 
rence. F. privaute.—See PRIVY. 

PRIVY, adj. Private; secret; admitted to secrets of 
state, (as the privy council;) F. prive. — See PRI- 
VATE. 

PRO AND CON. A vulgar abbreviation of pro and 
contra, for and against. 

PROBABLE, adj. Apparently true. L. probabilis; from 
fir o bo, to prove or allow. 

PROBATE, s. Proof of a will. L.probatus; {vora probo^ 
to prove, or allow. 

PROBATIONER, s. One who is upon trial; a novice. 
L. probatio, a trial; from probo, to prove. 

PROBE, v. To examine a deep wound with an instru- 
ment. L. probo, to try. 

PROBITY, s. Honesty; veracity. L. probitas; from 
probatus, (p. part, of probo,') proved. 

PROBLEM, s. A question proposed. G.firoblema: pro- 
ballo, to propose: pro, before, and ballo, to throw. 

PRO BOJYO PUBLICO. For public benefit. L. 

PROCEED, v. To move forward; to act; to issue. L, 
procedo; from pro, forward, and cedo, to depart. 

PROCESS, s. Progressive course; operation; course 
of law. F. proces: L. processus; from procedo. — See 
PROCEED. 

PROCESSION, s. A train moving in ceremonious 
solemnity. F. procession; L. processio. — See PRO- 
CESS. 



PRO—PRO 

PROCLAIM, v. To make public. ~L. jiroclamo, to call 
out: firo, before, and clamo, to call. 

PROCONSUL, s. A deputy consul. L, firo, for, and 
consul. 

PROCRASTINATE, v. To defer through idleness. L. 
firocrastinor; from firo, for, eras, to-morrow, and te- 
neo, to hold. 

PROCTOR, s. A manager of another's affairs; an at- 
torney of the spiritual court ; the magistrate of a uni- 
versity. L. fir o cur a tor. — See PROCURE. 

PROCURATION, s. Power given to transact business 
for another. L. firocuratio. — See PROCURE. 

PROCURE, v.. To obtain; to cause. L. firocuro; from 
fi ro, for, and euro, to take care of. 

PRODIGAL, adj. Lavish. L. firodigus; from firodigo, 
to drive forth-: firo, before, and ago, to drive or act. 

PRODIGY, s. Something out of the ordinary course of 
nature. L. firodigium. — This word seems to have an 
affinity with prodigal. 

PRODU'CE. v. To exhibit; to bring forth. L. firoduco; 
from firo, signifying forward, and duco, to lead. 

PRO'DUCE. s. That which any thing yields, of a ma- 
terial nature. It is different in its meaning from firo- 
dtfet, which is an arithmetical result. — See the verb. 

PRODUCT, s. Result; sum; of an arithmetical, rather 
than of a material kind. It is used in a different sense 
from firoduce, which is a material result. L. firoduc- 
jus, p. part, of firoduco. — -See PRODU'CE. 

PRODUCTION, s. The act of producing; the thing 
produced; produce. Y.firoduction. — See PRODUCT. 

PROEM, s. Preface; introduction. Old F. firo'e'me ; 
L. firo<xmium; G. firooimion: firo, before, and oime, a 
way. 

PROFANIL adj. Irreverent to sacred things; not sa- 
cred. 1*. fir of anus: firo, before, zndfanufn, a temple. 

PROFESS, -v. To declare openly; to follow as a pro- 
fession. L. firofessus, part, of firojiteor ; from firo, be- 
fore, and fateor, to confess. - 

PROFICIENT, adj. Highly advanced in the knowledge 
of any thing. L. firojiciens, part, oifirojicio, to go for- 
ward: firo, before, and /ado, to do. 

PROFOUND, adj. Deep; humble; intellectually deep. 



PRO—PRO 

L. profundus, deep. Profound may be applied to 
great learning, by supposing that a scholar has ex- 
amined deeply; and to humility, from the posture in 
bowing-. 

PROFUNDITY. *. Depth.— See PROFOUND. 

PROFUSE, adj. Prodigal; exuberant. L. profusus, 
part, of fir oj \indo , to pour out. 

PROGENITOR, s. A forefather; a person, either male 
or female, from whom another has descended. L. pro- 
genitor ; from pro, before, and geno, to beget. 

PROGENY. 6'. Offspring. L. progenies: pro, forward, 
and genus, a race. 

PROGNOSTIC, s. Prediction; omen. G. pro, before, 
and ginosko, to know. 

PROGRESS. Motion forward; advancement. L. pro- 
gressus; from pro, forward, and gressus, part, of gra- 
dior, to go : gradus, a step. 

PROHIBIT, v. To forbid; to hinder. L. prohibeo; from 
pro, before, and habeo, to have or hold : meaning, some 
obstruction. 

PROJECT, v. To throw forward; to jut out; to con- 
trive. L. projectum, sup. of projicio; from pro, before, 
and jacio, to throw. 

PROLATE, adj. Extended beyond an exact round. L. 
prolatus, p. part, of profero, to thrust out: jiro, be- 
fore, and/cro, to carry. 

PROLEPSIS. s. A form of rhetoric, by which objec- 
tions are anticipated ; an error in chronology, by 
which events are dated too early. G. prolepsis: pro, 
before, and lambano, to take. 

PROLIFIC, adj. Fruitful; productive. F. prolifique; 
L. proles, a race, axidfacio, to make. 

PROLIX, adj. Long; not concise. L. prolixus; from 
pro, and laxus, loose. 

PROLOCUTOR, s. Speaker of a convocation. L. pro- 
locutor; from pro, for, and loquor, to speak. 

PROLOGUE, s. Preface; something spoken before the 
beginning of a play. G. prologos; from pro, before, 
and logos, a word. 

PROMENADE. 5. A walk; a place for walking. F. 
from pro mener, to walk: pro, signifying forward, and 
mener, to carry; or lead. 



PRO— PRO 

PROMINENT, adj. Projecting; conspicuous. L. pro- 

minens, part, of pro mine o, to jut out. 
PROMISCUOUS, adj. Mingled; confused. L. firo- 

miscuus; from pro, and misceo, to mix. 
PROMISE. «. Declaration of design; expectation; hope. 

L. promissum; from pro, before, and mitto, to send: 

that is, to send out the declaration before the perform- 
ance is accomplished. 
PROMONTORY, s. High land, jutting into the sea; a 

cape or headland. L. promontorium: pro, before, and 

mons, a mountain. 
PROMOTE, v. To forward; to advance. L. promo- 

turn, sup. of promoveo; from pro, forward, and moveo, 

to move. 
PROMPT, adj. Ready; quick; instant. F. prompt; L. 

promptus, p. part, of promo, to draw out, or bring 

forth. Frompt payment is money drawn out. 
PROMPTER, s. One who aids the memory, as at a 

theatre.— See PROMPT. 
PROMULGATE, v. To make public. L. promulgo;— 

the primitives seem to be pro, before, and vulgus, the 

common people. 
PRONE, adj. Lying with the face downward, as in the 

act of worshiping; bending downward; inclined. -L. 

pronus: G. pro, before, and naos, a temple. 
PRONOUN, s. A word used instead of a noun, h.pro, 

instead of, and noun. 
PRONOUNCE, v. To utter; to declare. L. pronuntio; 

from pro, before, (in presence of,) and nuntio, to tell. 
PROPEL, v. To drive forward. L. propello; from pro, 

forward, and pello, to drive. 
PROPENSITY, s. Inclination ; desire. L. propensio: 

from propensus, part, of propendeo, to lean forward: 

pro~> forward, and pendeo, to hang. 
PROPER, adj. Peculiar; not common; natural; suita- 
ble. F./iropre; L. proprius, peculiar. 
PROPERTY, s. Peculiar quality; disposition; thing 

possessed in one's own right. — See PROPER. 
PROPHET, s. One who forctels by divine inspiration. 

G. prophetes; from pro, before, and phemi, to say. 
PROPHETIC, or PROPHETICAL, adj. Foreseeing 

or foretelling future events. — See PROPHET, 



PRO—PRO 

PROPITIATE, v. To gain the favour of. L.firofiitw: 
G. firofiinoj firo, before, and fiino, to drink ; alluding 
to a heathen sacrifice. 

PROPORTION, s. Comparative relation; symmetry. 
L. firofiortio; from firo, according to, and fiortio, a 
part: that is, one part referring to another. 

PROPOSE. v. To offer for consideration. L. firofiosi- 
tunij sup. of J 'ir ofiono ; from fir o, before, and fiono, to 
place. 

PROPOUND, v. To propose. L. fir ofiono.— See PRO- 
POSE. 

PROPRIETOR. s. An owner. L.— See PROPERTY. 

PROPRIETY. *. Accuracy; justness. L. firofirietas; 
from firofirins, fit.— See PROPER. 

PROPULSION. 8. Act of propelling. L. profiulsus, p. 
part, of firofiello.— See PROPEL. 

PROROGUE, v. To adjourn. L. firorogo, to defer; 
from firo, forward, and rogo, to desire or request. 

PROSCRIBE, v. To doom to destruction; to forbid. 
L. fir os crib o ; from firo, concerning, and scribo, to 
write. 

PROSCRIPTION, s. Act of proscribing. L. firoscrifi- 
tio; firoscrifitus) p. part, of firoscribo. — See PRO- 
SCRIBE. 

PROSE, s. Language not restrained to harmonic sounds 
or regular number of syllables. F. firose; L. firosa: 
from firorsus, straight forward; by way of opposi- 
tion to versus, (hence verse,) a turning backward.- — 
See VERSE. 

PROSECUTE, v. To pursue; to continue. L. firose- 
quor; from firo, forward, and sequor, to follow. 

PROSODY, s. That part of grammar which teaches 
the just sound and quantity of syllables, and the 
measures of verse. G. firosodia: firos, for, and ode, 
a song. 

PROSOPOPCEIA. s. Personification. G. firosofiofioiia; 
from firosofion, a person, and fioieo, to make. 

PROSPECT. *. View of something distant. L. firo- 
sfiectus ; part, of firosfiicio ; from firo, forward, and 
sfiecio, to see. 

PROSPECTIVE, adj. Relating to a distant view.—- See 
PROSPECT. 

[20*] 



PRO—PRO 

PROSPECTUS, s. Plan, generally of a literary work. 

L. prospectus.— See PROSPECT. 
PROSPER, v. To be successful. ~L.prospero; from pro, 

forward, and spero, to hope or expect. 
PROSTITUTE, v. To expose to crime, or commit sin, 

for a reward. L. prostituo; from pro, forward, and 

statum, sup. of sto, to stand; meaning, to offer one's 

services in a public market. 
PROSTRATE, adj. Lying at length; thrown down. L. 

prostratus, p. part, of prosterno: from pro, before, 

and sterno, to spread. 
PROTECT, v. To defend. L. protectum, sup. of pro - 

tego; from pro, before, and tego, to cover. 
PRO-TEMPORE. For a time; not permanently. L. 

pro, for, tempore, abl. of tempus, time, or a time. 
PROTEST, v. To record in the manner of a notary; to 

object. Xi. protestor; from pro, for, and testor, to bear 

witness: testis, a witness. 
PROTHONOTARY. s. Chief notary, or register. G. 

protos, first, and notary. 
PROTOTYPE. s. The original. F. prototype: G. pro- 

totupon; from protos, first, and tupos, a mark, or 

form. 
PROTRACT, v. To lengthen; to delay. L. protrac- 

tum, sup. of protraho; from pro, forward, and traho, 

to draw. 
PROTRUDE, v. To thrust forward. L.protrudo; from 

pro, before, and trudo, to thrust. 
PROTRUSION, s. Act of protruding. L. protrusus, 

p. part, of protrudo.— See PROTRUDE. 
PROTUBERANCE, s. A swelling; prominence. L. 

pro, before, (on the surface,) and tuber, a bunch or 

excrescence. 
PROVERB, s. A short moral sentence, l^.prov erbium; 

from pro, in the place of, verbum, a speech : meaningj 

a few words instead of many. 
PROVERBIAL, adj. Mentioned as a proverb; resem- 
bling a proverb.— See PROVERB. 
PROVIDE, v. To make ready beforehand ; to supply ; 

to stipulate. ~L.provideo: from pro, before, and video, 

to see. 



PRO—PUG 

PROVIDENCE, s. The act of providing; divine super- 
intendence. F. providence See PROVIDE. 

PROVINCE, s. Originally, a conquered country ; gene- 
rally, a large district. L. provincia; from pro, before, 
and vinco, to conquer. 

PROVISION, s. Something provided; stipulation. L. 
provisio; from firovideo. — See PROVIDE. 

PROVISO. s. Stipulation. lu. proviso, abl. of provisus^ 
p. part, of provideo.— See PROVIDE. 

PROVOCATION, s. Act or cause by which anger is 
excited. L. provocatio. — See PROVOKE. 

PROVOKE, v. To enrage; to promote. L. provoco; 
from pro, forward, and voco, to call. 

PROW. s. The forepart of a ship. F. prone; G. prora; 
from pro, before, and rheo, to proceed. 

PROWESS, s. Bravery; valour; courageous excitement 
which places a man forward, or in the front of a bat- 
tle. F. prouesse. — See PROW. 

PROXIMITY, s. Nearness. "L.proximitas; from proxi- 
mus, nearest. 

PROXY, s. The agency of another; the agent employ- 
ed. Abbreviation of L. proximus, a neighbour.— See 
PROXIMITY. 

PRUDENT, adj. Provident; discreet. F. prudent; L, 
prudens, an abbreviation of providens. — See PRO- 
VIDE. 

PRURIENCE, s. Great desire or appetite for any thing. 
L. pruriens, part, of prurio, to itch. 

PSALM, s. A holy song. G. psalmos, a tune for a mu- 
sical instrument; from psallo, to strike [the harp- 
strings] : psallo, signifies also, to praise in song, — the 
harp being originally used for songs of praise; as by 
David. 

PSALTER, s. The volume of psalms. G. psalterion; 
from psallo. — See PSALM. 

PSEUDO. adj. False; counterfeit. G. pseudos, false. 

PUBERTY, s. Sexual maturity. L. pubertas; from pu~ 
ber, of ripe age. 

PUERILE, adj. Childish. L.puerilis; from puer, a boy, 

PUGNACITY, s. Quarrelsomeness; inclination to fight- 
L. pugnacitas; pugna, a fight. 



PUI— PUR 

PUISNE 7 , adj. A puisne (puny) judge, is one of inferior 
rank. F. fiuisne, younger, (meaning weaker) : from ne, 
not, and fio avoir, to be able. 

PUISSANT, adj. Powerful. F. from fiouvoir, to be 
able. 

PULMONARY, adj. Relating to the lungs. L. fiulmo, 
the lungs. 

PULSATION, s. The act of beating or moving rapidlv 
against something opposing; the beating of the pulse. 
L. fiulsatio: pulsus, p. part, of fiello, to strike. 

PULSE, s. The perceptible action of the blood, in cer- 
tain parts of the body, h.fiulsusj from a part, of fiello, 
to strike. 

PULVERIZE, v. To reduce to powder. L. fiulveris, 
gen. of fiulvis, dust. 

PUNCTILIO, s. A nice point of exactness; etiquette. 
—See PUNCTUAL. 

PUNCTILIOUS, adj. Extremely exact.— See PUNC- 
TUAL. 

PUNCTUAL, adj. Exact. F. fiuncluel. L. fiunctum, a 
point.— See POINT. 

PUNCTUATION, s. The act or method of pointing, 
or placing stops. L. fiunctum, a point. — See POINT. 

PUNCTURE, s. A hole made by a sharp point. L. 
fiunctum, a point.— See POINT. 

PUNGENT, adj. Sharp on the tongue; piercing; acri- 
monious. L. fiungens, part, of fiungo, to prick. 

PUNY. adj. Inferior; weak See PUISNE'. 

PUPIL, s. A scholar. L. fiufiillus, a male orphan; fiu- 
fiilla, a female orphan: from fiufia, a baby: also, the 
apple of the eye; alluding to the small image reflected 
by the eye. 

PURGATORY, s. A temporary hell, or place of pur- 
gation from sin, believed to exist by the Roman 
Catholics. L. fiurgatorium ; from fiurgo.' > See 
PURGE. 

PURGE, v. To cleanse. L. fiurgo, to cleanse. 

PURLIEUS, s. Originally related to lands in England 
which were detached from the royal forests, and ex- 
onerated from the forest-law; but purlieus now mean 
some privileged district, in general. F.fiur, pure, or 
unmixed, and lieu, place. 



PUR— PYR 

PURPORT, s. Design. F. pourporte; from pour, for, 
and porter, to carry. L. pro and porta. 

PURPOSE, s. Intention ; effect of the intention. F.fiour, 
for, and poser, to place : L. /2ro, and pono. 

PURSUE, v. To chase; to continue. F. poursurvre; 
from fiour,' for, and suivre, to follow. 

PURSUIVANT, s. An attendant on the heralds. F. 
poursuivant, part, of poursuivre, to follow. 

PUR.ULENT. adj. Consisting of corrupted matter. L. 
purulentus; from puris, gen. of pus, corruption. 

PURVEYOR, s. One who collects provisions; a pro- 
curer. F. pur-voyeur; from pour, for, and voir, to see. 

PUS. s. Matter issuing from a sore. L. pus, corruption. 

PUSILLANIMITY, s. Cowardice. F. pusillanimite; 
L. pusillus, weak, and animus, the soul, or mind. 

PUSTULE, s. A small swelling. L. pustula: pus, mat- 
ter, or corruption. 

PUTREFY, v. To rot; to become foul. F. putrifier: L. 
putris, rotten, and,/?o, to become. 

PUTRESCENT, adj. Growing rotten or foul. L. pu^ 
trescens, part, of putresco; from putris, rotten. 

PUTRID, adj. Rotten; foul. X. putridus, rotten. 

PYGMY. 5.— See PIGMY. 

PYRAMID. *. A solid figure, the sides of which are 
plain triangles, meeting in a point. F. pyramide: G. 
puramis; from pur, fire: because fire ascends in a 
similar form. 

PYRITES, s. A mineral, sometimes called Jire-stone. 
Some of its varieties are sulphurets of iron, and others, 
sulphurets of copper, with a portion of alumine and 
silex. G. pur, fire. 

PYROLIGNOUS. adj. The acid called pyrolignous re- 
sembles the acetous ; and is obtained by exposing 
wood, confined in a cylinder of iron, to the action of 
fire: G. pur, fire, and L. lignum, wood. 

PYROMETER, s. An instrument, invented by Wedge- 
wood, for ascertaining the heat of ovens, furnaces, 
and intense fires. G.pur, fire, and metreo, to measure. 

PYROPHORI. s. Compound substances, which ignite 
on the admission of atmospheric air. G. pur, fire, and 
phero, to bear. 



PYR— QUA 

PYROTECHNICS, s. The art of making fireworks. G. 

pur, fire, and techne, art. 
PYRRHONISM, s. Scepticism; universal doubting. 

Pyrrho, a Grecian philosopher, the founder of the 

Sceptics. 



Q. 

QUADRANGLE, s. A square; a surface with four 
right angles. L. quadrangulus : quadratus, (from 
quatuor, four,) squared, and angulus, an angle. 

QUADRANT, s. A quarter; the quarter of a circle; an 
instrument for measuring altitudes. L. quadrans, the 
fourth part: quatuor, four. 

QUADRATE, adj. Square; divisible into four equal 
parts. L. quadratus, part, of quadro, to square : qua- 
tuor, four. 

QUADRATIC adj. Belonging to a square. — — See 
QUADRATE. 

QUADRATURE. s. The act of squaring; state of being 
square; the first and last quarter of the moon. L. 
quadratura.— See QUADRATE. 

QUADRENNIAL, adj. Lasting four years; happening 
once in four years. L. quadriennium ; comp. of qua- 
tuor, four, and annus, a year. 

QUADRIBLE. adj. Capable of being squared. L. qua- 
dra, to square: quatuor, four. 

QUADRILATERAL, adj. Having four sides. L. qua- 
tuor, four, and latera, (pi. of latus^) sides. 

QUADRIPARTITE, adj. Having four parts. L. qua- 
tuor, four, and partitus, p. part, of partio, to divide : 
pars, a part. 

QUADRUPED, s. An animal which has four feet. L. 
guadrupedis, gen. of quadrup.es: from quatuor, four, 
and pes, a foot. 

QUADRUPLE, adj. Fourfold; four times told. L. qua- 
druplus: quatuor, four. 

-QUADRUPLICATE, v. To double twice; to make 
fourfold. L. quadruplico: quatuor, four, and plico f 
to fold. 

QUALIFY, x'. To adapt; to furnish with what is neces- 



QUA— QUA 

sary for a particular state or profession; to abate, F, 
qualifier: L. qualis, such as, and facio, to make, 

QUALITY, s. Sort, relatively considered; property; 
rank. L. qualitas: qualis, of what kind, such as. 

QUAMDIU SE BENE GESSERIT. As long as he 
shall conduct himself properly ; a condition on which 
the English judges hold their offices. L. quamdiu, as 
long as, gesserit, (from gero,)he shall conduct, se, him- 
self, b ene, well. 

QUANTITY, s. Indeterminate weight or measure ; 
portion ; prosodial measure. L. quantitas, quantity. 

QUANTUM. «. Quantity; amount; proportion assign- 
ed. L. 

QUANTUM MERUIT. As much as he has earned, 
or deserved. L. quantus, and mereo. 

QUANTUM SUFFICIT As much as is sufficient. L. 
quantus and sufficio. 

QUARE IMP ED IT. The name of a writ, which lies 
for the patron of a church-living, against the person 
who has disturbed his right of advowson. L. quare, 
wherefore, hn/iedit, (from imfiediO)) does he hinder. 

QUARANTINE, s. Originally, the space of forty days, 
in which, a ship, suspected of infection, was obliged 
to forbear intercourse with the port to which she was 
bound ; but the duration of quarantine is now variable. 
F. quarantaine: quarante, forty. 

QUART, s. The fourth part of a gallon. F. quart; L. 
quartus, the fourth: from quatuor, four, 

QUARTAN, adj. A quartan ague occurs every fourth 
day. L. quartanus; quartus, the fourth: quatuor, four. 

QUARTATION. s. A chemical operation, by which, 
three parts of silver are fused with a fourth part of 
gold, in order to purify the latter. L. quartus, the 
fourth. 

QUARTER, s. A fourth part; a region of the skies, as 
denoted by the mariner's compass ; a particular region 
of the town or country, without regard to arithmetical 
division: hence, the term quarters, for military. F. 
quartier; L. quartus: quatuor, four. 

QU ARTILE. s. An aspect of the planets, when they are 
ninety degrees (the fourth of a circle) distant from 
each other. L.— See QUARTER. 



QUA— .QUI 

QUARTO. s. A book in which every sheet of paper 
makes four leaves. L. abl. of quartus, the fourth. 

QUATERNITY. s. A term which includes four. L. 
quaterni: quatuor, four. 

QUERIST, s. An inquirer. L. quxro, to seek. 

QUERULOUS, adj. Mourning; whining; habitually 
complaining. L. querulus; querela, a complaint; que- 
ror, to complain. 

QUERY, s. A question; an inquiry to be resolved. L. 
quare, imper. of quaro, to seek. 

QUEST. «. Search. F. queste: L. qugsitus, p. part, of 
qutzro, to seek. 

QUESTION, s. Interrogatory; subject of inquiry or 
debate; doubt. F. question j L. questio: quasitus, p. 
part, of qucero, to seek. 

QUID-NUjYC. s. A news-hunter, or coffee-house poli- 
tician. L. quid, what, nunc, now. 

QUIESCENT, adj. Not moving; reposing. L. quies- 
cens, part, of quiesco, to be quiet. 

QUIET, adj. Still; free from disturbance; inoffensive. L. 
quietus, part, of quiesco, to be quiet. 

QUIETUS, s. A cant word, denoting something to ren- 
der a person tame or submissive. L. quietus, quiet. 

QUINARY, adj. Consisting of five. L. quinarius: quin- 
que, five. 

QUINQUAGESIMA. adj. Quinquagesima, or Shrove 
Sunday, is the fiftieth day before Easter, reckoned by 
whole numbers. L. fern, of quinquagesimus, the fif- 
tieth. 

QUINQUENNIAL, adj. Lasting five years; happening 
once in five years. L. quinquennis: quinque, five, and 
annus, a year. 

QUINTESSENCE, s. An imaginary fifth being of the 
old philosophers ; an extract from any thing, contain- 
ing all its virtues in a small bulk. L. quinta, fern, of 
quintus, the fifth, and essence. 

QUINTUPLE, adj. Fivefold. L. quintufilus ; quinque, 
five. 

QUIRE, s. A body of singers. F. choeur. — See CHOIR. 

QUI TAM. An action in the manner of an informa- 
tion on a penal statute. L. qui, how, or why, tarn, so. 



QUO— QUO 

QUOAD HOC. As far as this [point of the argument, 
Sec."] L. quoad, as much as, or as far as, hoc, this. 

QUO AJYIMO. "With what mind," or with what de- 
sign or intention. L. abl. of quis, and animus. 

QUO JURE. By what right. L. abl. of quis, and jus. 

QUONDAM. Having been formerly. L. quondam, in 
time past. 

QUORUM. ,9. A magistrate of a certain rank; a bench 
of magistrates; a number of any members sufficient 
to transact business. The term is thus used from the 
words of the commission, — "quorum, A. B. unum 
esse volumus," (of whom, A. B. we wish you to be 
one.) Where a commission is directed to seven per- 
sons, or to any three of them, whereof A. B. and CD. 
are to be two ; in this case they are said to be of the 
quorum ( of whom; J because, the rest cannot proceed 
to business without them : — so, « a justice of the peace 
and quorum,'* is one, without whom the rest of the 
justices, in some cases, cannot proceed; and a quorum 
of any deliberative assembly has the same relation. 

QUOTA, s. Share; proportion assigned to each. L. fern, 
of quotus: from quot, so many as. 

QUOTE, v. To use, by way of authority or illustration, 
the words of another. F. coter, to mark by successive 
letters or numbers. 

QUOTIDIAN, adj. A quotidian fever returns every 
day. L. quotidianus: quot, every, and dies, a day. 

QUOTIENT, s. A number produced by the division 
of two other given numbers, the one by the other; 
as, the quotient of 50, divided by 10, is 5. F. quotient: 
L. quoties, as many times. 

QUO WARRANTO. By what warrant, or authority. L. 



[21] 



RAB— -RAN 



R. 



RABBLE, s. A tumultuous crowd; the lowest of the 
populace. L. rabula, a wrangler: rabies, rage. 

RABDOMANCY. s. Pretended divination by means 
of rods. G. rabdos, & rod, and manteia, a fortelling. 

RADIANT, adj. Emitting rays; shining. L. radians, 
part, of radio, to emit beams and rays, or to glitter: 
radius, a ray: G. rabdos, a small branch, or rod. 

RADIATED, adj. Adorned with rays. L. radiatus. — 
See RADIANT. 

RADICAL, adj. Affecting the root; primitive; im- 
planted by nature. F. radical: L. radicis, gen. of ra- 
dix, a root. 

RADICATE, v. To form a root ; to plant deeply and 
firmly. L. radicor; radix, a root. 

RADICLE, s. That part of the seed, which, after its 
vegetation, becomes its root. L. radicula, dim. of ra- 
dix, a root. 

RADIUS, s. The semidiameter of a circle; (pi. radii.) 
L. radius, a ray; G. rabdos, a small branch, or rod. 

RAGOUT, s. Meat stewed and highly seasoned. F. 
from gout, taste. 

RALLY, v. To re-assemble and put in order dispersed 
forces. F. rattier: re, again, and allier, to join: — to 
tease by frequent attempts of satire; railler, to jeer. 

RAMIFY, v. To separate into branches. F. ramifier: 
L. ramus, a. branch, and facio, to make. 

RAMOUS. adj. Branchy. L. ramus, a branch. 

RAMPART, s. In fortification, an elevation of earth 
around a place, capable of resisting cannon. F. rempart; 
from remparer, to fence. 

RANCID, adj. Emitting a putrid smell. L. rancidus, 
musty, stale. 

RANCOUR, s. Inveterate malignity. F. rancoeur: 
ranee, rusty, and coeur, the heart: L. rancidus and cor. 

RANGE, -v. To place in a row, or in order; to rove at 
large, as if along the entire row. F. ranger: rang, 
a row. 



RAN— RAT 

RANK. s. A row; a class or order; degree, as if de- 
noting in what row. F. rang, a row. 

RANSOM, s. Price of redemption from captivity or 
punishment. F. rang on. 

RAPACITY, s. Inclination to plunder; exercise of 
plunder. F. rapacite; L. rapacitas; rapax, ravenous; 
rapio, to pull, or take by violence. 

RAPID, adj. Swift. F. rafiide; L. rapidus: raptus, p. 
part, of rapio, to take by violence. 

RAPIER, s. A species of sword. F. rapier e; L. rapio, 
to take by violence. 

RAPINE, s. Act of plundering; violence. F. rapine; 
L. ra/iina ; rapio, to pull, or take by violence. 

RAPTURE, s. Extasy; violence of any pleasing affec- 
tion or passion. L. rapturus, (part, of rapto,) about 
to take, or hurry away, by violence. 

RARA AVIS. A rare bird ; something singular or 
wonderful. L. rara, fern, of rarus, rare, and avis, a 
bird. 

RARE. adj. Scarce; uncommon; unfrequent. F. rare; 
L. rarus, thin, or not thick set. 

RAREFACTION, s. Act of rarefying. L. rarus, thin, 
and /actio, a power of making : facio, to make. 

RAREFY, v. To make thin, or less dense. F. rarejier: 
L. varus, thin, and facio, to make. 

RARITY, s. Uncommonness ; a thing valued for its 
scarcity. F. rarite; L. raritas. — See RARE. 

RATE. s. Assigned value; allowance; degree; rank; 
mode of action; degree to which any thing is done; 
tax. L. ratus, part, of reor, to suppose. 

RATIFY, -v. To confirm. F. ratifier; L. ratus, (part, 
of reor,) established, and facio, to make. 

RATIO, s. Rate; proportion. L. from ratus, part, of 
reor, to suppose. 

RATIOCINATION, s. The act of reasoning, or of 
deducing consequences from premises, L. ratiocina- 
tio; ratiocinatus, part, of ratiocinor, to cast an ac- 
count, or reckon. — See RATIO. 

RATIONAL, adj. Having the power of reasoning; in 
conformity with reason ; judicious. L. rationalis: ra- 
tio, reason. — See RATE. 



RAV— REC 

RAVAGE, v. To plunder; to lay waste. F. ravager: 
L. rafiio, to take by violence. 

RAY. s. A beam of light; any lustre, corporeal or in- 
tellectual. F. raie ; from the L. radius. — See RA- 
DIUS. 

RAZE. v. To make level with the ground; to ruin; to 
efface. F. raser: L. rasus, p. part, of rado, to shave. 

RAZOR., s. A knife for shaving the beard. L. rasorj 
from rasus, p. part, of rado, to shave. 

RAZURE. s. Erasure; act of erasing. F. rasurej L. 
razura. — See RAZE. 

REAL. adj. Not fictitious, but actually existing; genu- 
ine; consisting of things immoveable, as land, — not 
transitory as furniture or money. L. re alls : res, a 
thing. 

R.EALIZE. -v. To make real; to acquire beyond the 
reach of contingency; to induce one's mind to believe 
any extreme happiness or affliction. — See REAL. 

REALM, s. Properly, a kingdom ; in its restricted sense, 
the dominion, exclusive of colonies. The province of 
Canada is not considered as a part of the British realm. 
F. roiaulme; roi, a king. 

REANIMATE, v. To revive. L. re, again, and ani- 
mate. 

REASON, s. Rational faculty; mind; cause; motive; 
justice; moderation. F. raison; L. ratio: from ratus, 
part, of reor, to suppose, or judge. 

REASONABLE, adj. Rational; just; moderate. F. rai- 
sonnaUe.-r-See REASON. 

HE ASSUME, v. To resume; to take again. L. re, again, 
and assume. 

REASSURE, v. To assure again. L. re, again, and as- 
sure. 

REBAPTIZE. 7.'. To baptize again. L. re, again, and 
baptize. 

REBEL, v. To revolt, after being conquered; to rise 
against lawful authority. L. rebello; comp. of re, again, 
and bello, to wage war: bellum, war. 

REBUILD, v. To build again. L. re, again, and build. 

REBUS, s. A word represented by a picture. L. rebus, 
(abl. pi. of res,) by things. 

RECANT, v. To retract; to contradict one's former 



RE'C— REC 

professions. L. recanto: comp. of re, again, and canto^ 
to sing. 

RECAPITULATE, v. To repeat the- heads of a former 
discourse; to capitulate again. F. recafiituler: L. re, 
again, and cafiitulatim, by heads or chapters: caput, 
a head. 

RECEDE, v. To fall back; to retreat. L. recedo: re, 
back, and cedo, to depart. 

RECEIPT, s. The act of receivings written evidence of 
a thing received. L. recefitum; recefitus, p. part, of 
recifiio.— See RECEIVE. 

RECEIVE, v. To take or get into one's possession; to 
embrace intellectually; to admit. F. recevoir; L. re- 
cifiio: re, back, or again, and cafiio, to take. 

RECENT, adj. New; late; fresh. L. recens, new. 

RECEPTACLE, s. A vessel or place into which any 
thing is received. L. recefitaculum. — See RECEIPT. 

RECEPTION, s. Act of receiving; state of being re- 
ceived.-— See RECEIPT. 

RECEPTIVE, adj. Having the faculty of receiving.— - 
See RECEIPT. 

RECESS, s. Retirement; secession; place of retirement, 
or secrecy; a niche. L. recessus, part, of recedo. — See 
RECEDE. 

RECESSION, s. Act of receding. L. recessio.— See RE- 
CESS. 

RECIPE', s. A medical prescription; a direction for 
apportioning the ingredients of any compound. L. im- 
per. of recifiio. — See RECEIPT. 

RECIPIENT, s. The thing which receives. L. recifii- 
ens, part, of recifiio. — See RECEIVE. 

RECIPROCAL, adj. Alternate; mutual. L. recifirocus, 
going, or flowing, backward and forward : comp. of re, 
back, cafiio, to take, and firo, forward. 

RECITATIVE, or RECITATIVO. s. Chaunt; a kind 
of tuneful pronunciation, more musical than common 
speech, and less musical than song.— See RECITE. 

RECITE, v. To rehearse; to repeat; to enumerate. L. 
recito; from re, again, and cito, to call [into the me- 
mory.] 

RECLAIM, v. To reform j to correct; to restore to a 
[21*] 



REG— REC 

state of arability. L. reclamo: re, back, and clamo, to 
call. 

RECLINE, v. To lean back; to repose. L. reclino: re, 
back, and clino, to bend. 

RECLUSE, adj. Secluded. F. rectus: L. re, back, and 
clausus, p. part, of claudo, to shut. 

RECOGNISANCE, s. Acknowledgment; bond of ac- 
knowledgment, with regard to a debt, or to a penalty 
that may accrue by non-appearance in a court of law. 
Y.reconnoissance, ( formerly , recognisance.) — See RE- 
COGNISE. 

RECOGNISE, v. To know again. L. re, again, and 
cognosce, tojknow. 

RECOGNITION, adj. Act of recognising; renovation 
of knowledge. L. recognitio. — See RECOGNISE. 

RECOIL, v. To rush back; to retire rapidly from some 
opposing danger. F. reculer: re, back, and cul, the 
breech, 

RECOIN. v. To coin over again. L. re, again, and coin. 

RECOLLECT, v. To collect again; to restore to the 
memory. L. re, again, and collect. 

RECOMMEND, "v. To commend, to another, that 
w r hich is already commended to oneself; to make ac- 
ceptable. L. re, again, and commend. 

RECOMMIT. %>. To commit again. L. re, again, and 
commit; 

RECOMPENSE, v. To requite; to give an equivalent. 
F. recomjienscr: L. re, back, and compenso, to recom- 
pense: con, with, and fienso, to consider, or value. 

RECONCILE. ~u. To cause a renewal of affection or 
regard; to make consistent. L. reconcilio: re, again, 
and concilio, to join. — See CONCILIATE. 

RECONNOITRE, v. To view; to explore. F. comp. 
of re, again, and connoitre, to know. 

RECORD, v. To cause to be remembered; to register. 
L. recorder: re, again, and cor, the hearty or mind. 

RECOUNT, -v. To relate in detail; to reckon again. 
F. reconter: re, again, and confer, to count or reckon. 

RECOURSE, s. Return; access. F. recoursj L. re- 
curs us; from recurro: re, back, and curro, to run. 

R.ECREANT. adj. Cowardly; crying out for mercy; 



REC— RED 

recanting through fear. F. recriant, part, of recrier: 

from re, back, or again, and crier, to cry out. 
RECREMENT, s. Superfluous or useless parts; dross. 

L. recrementum: re, back, and cresco, to increase, or 

creo, to create; meaning, the reverse of increment.-— 

See INCREMENT. 
RECRIMINATE, v. To charge, with another crime, 

the person who has made the first charge. L. re, back, 

and criminate. 
RECRUIT, v. To repair by a new supply; to restore 

in number a wasted -army. F. recruier: re, again, and 

croitre, to increase. 
RECTANGLE, s. A figure which has one angle or 

more, of ninety degrees. L. rectus, straight, and an- 

gulus, an angle. 
RECTIFY, v. To make right; to refine or strengthen 

by repeated distillation. F. rectifier: L. rectus, straight, 

or just, andjfan'c, to make. 
RECTILINEAR, adj. Consisting of right lines. L. rec- 
tus, straight, and linea, a line. 
RECTITUDE, s. Honesty; freedom from moral ciirvity 

or obliquity. F. rectitude: L. rectum; from rectus, (p. 

part, of rego,) ruled or ordered: meaning that which 

is ordered to be done. 
RECTOR, s. A governor; a clergyman who receives 

higher tythes than a vicar. L. rector: rectus, p. part. 

of rego, to rule. 
RECUMBENT, adj. Lying, or leaning. L. recumbens, 

part, of recumbo, to lean upon. 
RECUR, v. To happen again; to come back to the 

memory; to have recourse to. L. recurro: re, again, 

or back, and curro, to run. 
RECURVOUS. adj. Bent backwards. L. recurvus: 

re, back, and curvus, crooked, or bent. 
REDEEM, v. To ransom; to pay the penalty of; to res- 
cue. L. redimo: re, back, or again, and emo, to buy. 
REDEMPTION, s. Ransom; release; rescue. L. re- 

demfitio: redemfitus, p. part, of redimo. — See RE- 
DEEM. 
REDOLENT, adj. Sweet-smelling. L. redolens, part. 

oiredoleo; from -re, back, and oleo, to yield a smell. 



RED— REF 

REDOUBLE, v. To double again; to renew with in- 
creased assiduity. L. re, again, and double. 

REDOUND, v. To be sent back by reaction; to con- 
duce; to proceed. L. redundo: re, back, and undo, 
to spread as waves, or abound : unda, a wave. 

REDRESS, v. To amend; to remedy; to relieve; to 
ease. F. redresser ; re, again, and dresser, to make 
straight: L. re, again, and directus, p. part, of dirigo, 
to direct or range: di, separately, and rego, to rule 
or set right. 

REDUCE, v. To bring to the former state; to reform; 
to bring to a state of diminution ; to degrade ; to sub- 
due. L. reduco: re, back, and duco, to lead. 

REDUCTION, s. Act of reducing; science of reducing. 
F. reduction; L. reductio: from reductus, p. part, of 
reduco.— See REDUCE. 

REDUNDANT, adj. Superabundant; superfluous. L. 
redundans, p. part, of redundo, to overflow : comp. of 
re, back, and undo, to spread as waves, or abound: 
unda, a wave. — See REDOUND. 

REDUPLICATE, v. To double. L. re, again, and du- 
plicate. 

REFECTION, s. Refreshment. F. refection; L. refec- 
tio: refectus, p. part, of rejicio, to repair: re, again, 
and facio, to make. 

REFECTORY, s. Room of refreshment; eating room. 
F. refectoire.— See REFECTION. 

REFER, v. To direct one person to another, or to some 
document, for information or judgment; to direct the 
mind to, as the ultimate object or end. L. refero: re, 
back, and y<?ro, to carry. 

REFINE, v. To make doubly fine; to purify. L. re, 
again, and fine. 

REFLECT, v. To throw back; to bend back; to turn 
the thoughts upon the past; to throw reproach or 
censure. L. rejiecto: re, back, and Jiecto, to bend. 

REFLEX, adj. Directed backward. L. refiexus, p. part, 
of rejiecto.— See REFLECT. 

REFLUENT, adj. Flowing back. L. rejiuens, part, of 
rejiuo: re, back, andy?wo, to flow. 

REFLUX, s. Backward course. L. rejluocus, part, of 
refiuo.— See REFLUENT. 



REF— REG 

REFORM, v. To remodel; to free from impurity. L. 
re, again, and form. 

REFRACT, v. To break the natural course (of rays.) 
L. refractum, sup. of refringo ; from re, back, and 
frango, to break. 

REFRACTORY, adj. Obstinate; contumacious; rebel- 
lious. L. refractarius: refractus, p. part, of refringo; 
comp. of re, back, and frango, to break. This word 
should be written Refractory. 

REFRAGABLE. s. Capable of confutation. L. refraga- 
bills: refragor, to resist, or deny: re, again, and fran- 
go, to break. 

REFRAIN, v. To holdback; to restrain. F. refrener± 
L. re, back, and frano, to curb: franum, a bridle. 

REFRANGIBLE, adj. Rays of light are refrangible, 
because they can be refracted or turned out of their 
way, in passing from one transparent body to another. 
L. re, back, and frango, to break. 

REFRIGERATE, v. To cool; or rather to bring to a 
former state of coolness. L. refrigero: re, back, or 
again, and f-igus, cold. 

REFUGE, s. Shelter from danger or distress; protec- 
tion. F. refuge; L. refugium: re, back, and fugio, to 
flee. 

REFUGEE. s. One who seeks or has obtained a place 
of refuge. F. refugie. — See REFUGE. 

REFULGENT, adj. Shining; glittering; bright; splen- 
did. L. refulgens, p. part, of refulgeo: re, back, and 
fulgeo, to shine. 

REFUND, v. To repay; to restore. L. refundo i re, 
back, and f 'undo, to pour. 

UEFU'SE. v. To reject; to deny what is solicited or 
required; not to comply with. F. refuser; L. refu- 
sum, sup. of refundo: re, back, &ndfundo, to pour. 

RE'FUSE. s. That which is rejected; remainder after 
the rest is taken. — See the verb. 

REFUTE, adj. To prove false or erroneous. L. refuto: 
re, back, or again, andfutilis, silly, trifling. 

REGAL, adj. Royal. F. regale; L. regalis: regis, gen. 
of rex, a king : rego, to rule. 

REGALIA. .9. Ensigns of the regal office. L.— See RE- 
GAL. 



REG— REL- 

REGARD, v. To feel an interest in; to observe; to con- 
sider; to respect or esteem. F. regarder: re, back, and 
garder, to keep, or preserve. 

REGENERATE, v. To reproduce; to give a new na- 
ture. L. re, again, and generate : (regenero.) 

REGENT, s. A governor; a vice-king. F. regent; L. 
regens, part, of rego, to rule. 

REGICIDE, s. Murderer of his king, — regicida; mur- 
der of his king, — regicidium: regis, gen. oireoc, a king, 
and cado, to kill. 

REGIMEN, s. Mode; mode of diet and living, suitable 
to a particular course of medicine or state of body. L. 
from rego, to rule. 

REGIMENT, s. A body of soldiers having a name or 
a number, and commanded by a colonel. Old F. regi- 
ment: L. rego, to rule, or govern. 

REGION, s. Tract of land; tract of space; part of the 
body. F. region; L. regio: from rego, to rule; mean- 
ing that portion which is subject to one ruler. 

REGISTER, s. A record, or regular account; the offi- 
cer who records. F. registre; L. registrant: rego, to 
rule, or set right. 

REGRATE. -v. To engross or forestall. F. regrater: 
re, back, and gratter, to scrape. 

REGRESS, s. Passage back; power of returning. L. 
regressus; from regredior: re, back, and gradior, to 
go: gradus, a step. 

REGULAR, adj. Agreeable to rule-; orderly; relating 
to a certain species of geometrical figures. L. regu- 
lar is: re go, to rule. 

REIGN, v. To enjoy or exercise sovereign authority; 
to be predominant. L. regno; from rego, to rule. 

REIMBURSE, v. To repay. L. re, back, in, into, and 
bursa, a purse. 

REINTEGRATE, -v. To repair; to restore. L. re, again, 
and integro, to renew : integer, entire. 

REITERATE, v. To repeat again and again. L. re, 
again, and iterate. 

REJECT, v. To throw back; to throw aside; to cast 
off; to refuse. L. rejectum, sup. of rejicio: re, back, 
and jacio, to throw. 

RELAPSE, v. To slip or fall back; to return to any 



REL— REL 

former state ; to return to a former opinion or profes- 
sion. L. relafisus, part, of relabor: re, back, and labor, 
to slide. 

RELATE, v. To tell; to recite; to have reference. L. 
relatum, sup. of refero: re, back, or again, and fero, 
to bring. 

RELAX, v. To slacken; to make less tense; to make 
less severe; to ease. L. relaxo: re, back, or again, and 
laxo, to loosen. 

RELAY, s. Horses on a road to relieve others. F. re- 
lais : re, again, and laisser, to leave: L. laxo, to 
loosen. 

RELEASE, v. To set free; to free from obligation or 
penalty. F. re, again, and laisser, to leave, let, or yield. 
L. laxo, to loosen. 

RELENT, v. To soften in temper; to feel compassion. 
F. relentir: L. re, again, and lenitus, p. part, of lenio, 
to ease : lenis, mild. 

RELEVANT, adj. Relieving; aiding. F. part, of rele- 
ver: L. relevo; comp. of re, again, and levo, to lift. 

RELIC, or RELIQUE. -s. That which remains; (in 
the plural, bodily remains;) something retained in 
memory of a person, with a religious, or supersti- 
tious veneration. F. relique: L. r e liquid ; relictus, (p. 
part, of relinquo,) left behind : re, back, and linquo, 
to leave. 

RELICT. s. A woman left desolate by the death of her 
husband; a widow. L. relictus, p. part, of relinquo. — 
See RELIC. 

RELIEVE, v. To ease from pain, sorrow, or oppression; 
to ease from military or other duty; to improve the 
appearance by contrast. L. relevo: re, again, and levo, 
to lift. 

RELIGION, s. Reverence of a Supreme Being; united, 
especially in Christians, with a solemn and awful ex- 
pectation of everlasting happiness, in a future state, 
as the reward of obedience to God, — or of torment, as 
the reward of sin : particular species of religious opin- 
ions. F. religion; L. religio: from religo, to bind fast: 
re, back, and ligo, to bind. 

RELUCENT. adj. Shining; transparent. L. relucens, 
part, of reluceo: re, back, and luceo, to shine. 



REL— REM 

RELUCTANT, adj. Unwilling. L. rehictans, strug- 
gling against: re, back, and lucto, to wrestle. 

RELUME, or RELUMINE. v. To relight; to rekindle. 
L. re, again, and luvien, light. 

RELY, v . To lean or rest upon with confidence ; to put 
trust in, (with on.) F. re, back, and Her, to tie, or 
unite. 

REMAIN, v. To be left; to be left out; to stay; to con- 
tinue. L. remaneo: comp. of re, back, and maneo, to 
stay, or wait. 

REMxAlNDER. s. That which remains; in law, the last 
chance of inheritance. — See REMAIN. 

REMAND, v. To call back; to send back. L. re, back, 
and mando, to bid, or send away. 

REMARK, v. To note; to observe. F. remarquer; re, 
again, and marquer, to mark. 

REMEDY, s. Means of cure; means of counteracting 
any evil; relief. L. remedium; re, back, and G. medeo, 
to govern. 

REMINISCENCE, s. Recollection; recovery of ideas. 
L. reminiscens; re, again, and memini, to remember. 

REMISS, adj. Careless; slothful. L. remissus, p. part, 
of remittor- -See REMIT. 

REMISSION, s. Act of remitting. L. remissio; remis- 
sus, p. part, of remitto.—See REMIT. 

REMIT, -v. To send back; to release from; to pardon; 
to defer; to refer; to abate. L. remitto; comp. of re, 
back, and mitto, to send, 

REMNANT, s. Remainder. L. remanent, part, of re- 
maneo.— See REMAIN. 

REMONSTRATE, v. To show reasons, in strong 
terms, and accompanied by expressions indicating a 
sense of injury. L. remonstro; re, back, or again, and 
monstro, to show. 

REMORSE, s. Pain from guilt; sorrow, arising from a 
sense of having injured. L. remorsus, part, of remor- 
deo; from re, back, or again, and mordeo, to bite. 

REMOTE, adj. Far removed; distant. L. remotus, p. 
part, of removeo; re, back, and moveo, to move. 

REMOVE, v. To displace; to go to another place; to 
transplant; to place at a distance. L. removeo; re* 
back, or again, and moveo, to move. 



REM— REP 

REMUNERATE, v. To repay; to reward. L. remu- 

nero: re, again, and mune.ro, to gift: munus, a gift. 
RENASCENT, adj. Rising again into being. L. re- 

?iascens, part, of reivascor: re, again, and nascor, to be 

born. 
RENCONTRE, or RENCOUNTER, s. Collision or 

opposition; battle. F. rencontre: re, again, and encon- 

tre, a chance or adventure: en, into, and contre^ 

against: L. in, and contra. 
RENDEZVOUS, s. Assembly; place appointed for as- 
sembling. F. rendezvous: rendez, imper. of rendre^ 
'to return, and vous, you. 
RENOUNCE, v. To disown; to quit upon oath. L. 

renuntio: re, again, and nuntio, to tell, or disclose. 
RENOVATE, v. To renew; to refresh. L. renovo: re, 

again, and novo, to make new : from novus, new. 
RENUNCIATION, s. Act of renouncing. L. renu?i- 

tiatio.—See RENOUNCE. 
REPAIR, v. To amend; to replace, or restore. L. re- 

/iaro: re, again, and fiaro, to make, or shape. 
REPARABLE, adj. Capable of being repaired. L. re- 

flarabilis.—See REPAIR. 
REPARATION. *. Act of repairing; amends. L. re- 

fiaratio.See REPAIR. 
REPARTEE, s. Smart reply. F. refiartie: from refiar- 

tir, to divide again, or reply: L. re, and fiartio. 
REPAST, s. A meal; food; refreshment. F. re/ias: L. 

re, again, and Jiastus, p. part, of fiasco, to feed. 
REPEAL, v. To revoke; to annul. F. rafi/ieller: comp. 

of re, back, or again, and a/ifieller, to call. 
REPEAT, v. To speak, use, or try, again; to recite; to 

denote the time of day, (as a repeating watch.) L. re- 

fieto, to ask again: comp. of re, again, and fieto, to 

beseech, ask, seek after, Sec. 
REPEL, v. To drive back. L. re/iello : re, back, and 

fiello, to drive away. 
REPENT, v. To think on any thing past with sorrow; 

to express sorrow for something past; to change the 

mind. F. repentir; L. re, again, and fienitus, within. 
REPERCUSSION, s. Rebound. L. rejiercussio; rejier- 

cussus, p. part, of re'fiercutio; re, back, and fiercutio, 

to strike: fier, through, and quatio, to shake. 
[22] 



REP— REP 

REPERTORY, s. A magazine; a book in which infor- 
mation on certain subjects is to be found. F. reper- 
toire; L. repertorium; from refiertus, p. part, of re- 
perio, to find or discover. 

REPETITION, s. Act of repeating-; thing repeated. L. 
repetitio.—See REPEAT. 

REPLENISH, -v. To refill. L. re, again, and plenus, 
full. 

REPLETE, adj. Full,—- meaning in a high degree. F. re- 
plete; L. repletus, p. part, oirepleo; re, again, or in 
a high degree, and pleo, to fill. 

REPLETION, s. State of being too full. F. repletion. 
—See REPLETE. 

REPLEVIN, or REPLEVY, v. To take back or reco- 
ver, on security given to the proper officer, any thing 
seized. Law F. replevir; re, again, and old F. plevir, 
or plegir, to give a pledge. 

REPLICATION, s. A formal reply. L. replicatio, an 
unfolding: from replicants, p. part, of replico. — -See 
REPLY. 

REPLY, -v. To answer; to make a return to an answer. 
L. replico, to unfold, or reply: re, back, or again, and 
plico, to fold. 

REPORT, v. To carry back the result of any inquiry, 
from a committee, to the whole assembly deliberating; 
to make public; to rumour; to make a loud noise. L. 
reporto; re, back, ?.nd porto, to carry. 

REPOSE, s. Rest; quiet; sleep. F. repos; L. repositus, 
p. part, of repono; re, back, and pono, to place. 

REPREHEND, -v. To reprove; to censure. L. repre- 
hendo; from re, again, and prehcndo, to take, or lay 
hold on. 

REPREHENSIBLE, adj. Reprovable; censurable. F. 
reprehensible; L. reprehensus, p. part, of reprehendo. 
—See REPREHEND. 

REPRESENT, v. To show as a likeness; to describe; 
to make known; to personate. L. represento ; re, 
again, and prtssens, present. — See PRESENT. 

REPRESS, v. To crush; to subdue. L. repressum, 
sup. of reprimo; r€, back, and premo, to press. 

REPRIEVE, v. To respite. F. repris, part, of repren- 
dre: re, back, or again, and prendre, to take. 



REP— REQ 

REPRISAL, s. Act of seizing by way of retaliation.; 
thing seized. F. refiresaille. — See REPRIEVE. 

REPROACH, v. To censure in opprobrious terms; to 
upbraid. F. reprocher: re, again, and approcher, to 
come near. 

REPROBATE, v, To disallow, or reject; to censure; 
to think of with feelings of much disapprobation. L. 
reprobo; comp. of re, back, and probo, to approve, or 
allow. 

REPROVE, v. To blame, chide, or reprehend. F. re- 
prouver ; L. reprobo : re, back, and probo, to ap- 
prove or allow. 

REPTILE, s. A creeping animal. L. reptile: from repo, 
to creep or crawl. 

REPUBLIC, s. A commonwealth; a state in which the 
happiness and advantage of all the people are consi- 
dered and provided for; and in which the people gov- 
ern through their representatives. L. respublica; res, 
an affair, or advantage, and publicus, public. 

REPUDIATE, v. To divorce; to put away. L. re/iu- 
dio: re, back, and G. pudarizo, to spurn. 

REPUGNANT, adj. Contrary; inconsistent. F. repug- 
nant; L. refittgnans, part, of repugno: re, back, and 
pug-no, to fight. 

REPULSE, s. The condition of being repelled, or de- 
feated. F. repulse: L. repulsus, p. part, of repello. — 
See REPEL. 

REPUTABLE, adj. Honourable; respectable. — See 
REPUTE. 

REPUTE, v. To esteem; to account; to think. L. re- 
puto; re, again, and puto, to think, or consider. 

REQUEST, s. Petition; entreaty; state of being de- 
sired. F. requeste; L. requisitus, p. part, of require. 
—See REQUIRE. 

REQUIEM, s. A hymn, in which rest is implored for 
the dead. L. comp. of re, again, and quies, rest. 

REQUIRE, v. To demand; to ask as a right; to need. 
L. require; re, back, and quaro, to ask, or seek. 

REQUISITE, adj. Required; necessary. L. requisitus, 
p. part, otrequiro. — See REQUIRE. 

REQUITE, v. To repay; to retaliate. F. requitcr; re, 
again, and quitter, to quit, or part with. 



RES— RES 

RESCIND, v. To cut off; to abrogate; to repeal. L, 

rescindo; re, again, and scindo, to cut. 
RESCISSION, s. Act of rescinding. F. rescission; from 

L. rescissus, p. part, of rescindo. — See RESCIND. 
RESCRIBE. v. To write back; to write over again. L. 

rescribo; re, back, or again, and scribo, to write. 
RESCRIPT, s. Edict, generally of a Roman emperor, 

or a pope. L. rescrijitum ; rescriptus, p. part, of 

rescribo.-— See RESCRIBE. 
RESCUE, v. To set free from any violence, danger, or 

confinement. F. re, back, or again, and escheoir, to 

avoid, or shun: hence, the obsolete word, eschew. 
RESEMBLE, v. To be similar. F \resembler; L. re, back, 

(meaning reflection,) and similis, like. 
RESENT, v. To consider as an injury or affront, and 

act in conformity with that sentiment. F. resehtir; 

L. re, again, and sentio, to be sensible of, or resent. 
RESERVE, v. To keep in store; to retain; to,hold. L. 

reservo; comp. of re, back, and servo, to keep. 
RESETTLE, v. To settle again. L. re, again, and 

settle. 
RESIDE, v. To dwell; to be present. L. resideo\ to sit 

down: re, back, and sedeo, to sit, or stay. 
RESIDENT, adj. Residing, or having abode. L. resU 

dens, p. part, of resideo. — See RESIDE. 
RESIDUARY, adj. A residuary legatee is a person to 

whom the remainder of an estate is willed, — all that is 

left after paying the legacies particularly specified.— 

See RESIDUE. 
RESIDUE, s. Remainder. F. residu; L. residuum. — 

See RESIDE. 
RESIDUUM, s. That which subsides, or remains after 

the more valuable part has been drawn off. L. from 

resideo, to sit down : re, back, and sedeo, to sit or stay. 
RESIGN, v. To relinquish a claim or possession ; to 

submit, L. resigno; re, back, and signo, to mark, de- 
clare, or signify. 
RESPECT, s. Regard ; attention; reverence; honour; 

feeling of compassion. F. respect; L. resfiectus, p. 

part, of resjiicio; re, back, or again, and sfiecio, to see, 

or behold. 



RES—RES 

RESPECTIVE, adj. Particular; individual; viewed 
with regard to each. — See RESPECT. 

RESPIRE, v. To breathe; to rest. L.resfiiro; re, again, 
and sfiiro, to breathe. 

RESPITE, s. Repose; pause; reprieve. F. resfiit, or 
refiit; L. resfiiratus, p. part, otresjiiro; re, again, and 
sfiiro, to breathe. 

RESPLENDENT, adj. Shining; bright; illustrious. L. 
resfilendens, part, of resfilendeo j comp. of re, back* 
and sfilendeo, to shine. 

RESPOND, v. To answer; to correspond; to suit. L, 
resfiondeo, to answer: re, and sfiondeo. 

RESPONDENTIA, s. Security for money lent on a 
cargo of merchandize. L. respondentia, pi. of res/ion- 
dens, a part, of resfiondeo.— See RESPOND. 

RESPONSE, s. Answer; answer made by the congre- 
gation, speaking alternately with the minister in pub- 
lic worship. L. resfionsum.—See RESPOND. 

RESPONSIBLE, adj. Answerable; accountable; capa- 
ble of answering to, or discharging an obligation. L. 
resfionsus, suitableness. — See RESPOND. 

REST. s. Repose; state of being undisturbed; absence 
of motion ; prop, or support, — meaning that on which 
any thing reposes, or by which motion is prevented ; 
remainder, or that which is left behind, or undis- 
turbed. L. restitus, part, of resto; re, back, and sto, to 
stand. 

RESTIFF, or RESTIVE, adj. Unwilling to go forward ; 
stubborn. F. restif.— See REST. 

RESTRAIN, v. To hold back; to repress. F. restrein- 
dre; L. restringo: re, back, and stringo, to bind. 

RESTRICT, v. To limit; to confine. L. restrictum, 
sup. of rest ring o.— -See RESTRAIN. 

RESULT, v. The primary signification of this word is 
to leafi back j but this meaning is scarcely used now, 
even by the poets. The proper sense of result, at the 
present day, is, to follow as a consequence, or as the 
effect of concurring causes. L. resulto; resultum, sup. 
oiresilio; re, back, and salio, to leap. 

RESUME, v. To take back; to take again. L.&swno; 
comp. of re, back, or again, and su?no y to take. 
[22*] 



RES— RET 

RESUMPTION, s. Act of resuming. L. reswmfuus, 
p. part, of resumo. — See RESUME. 

RESURRECTION. 5. Return from the grave; revival. 
F. resurrection; L. resurrectum, sup. of resurgo; re, 
again, and surgo, to arise. 

RESUSCITATE, -v. To rouse; to restore animation, 
after being suspended by drowning, &c. L. resuscito, 
to set up again, or arouse: re, again, and suscito, to 
awake: sub, under, and cito, to call. 

RETAIL, -v. To sell, in small quantities, something 
purchased from another ; to relate, amongst one's neigh- 
bours, that which one has heard from another. F. re- 
tainer; re, again, and tailler, to cut. 

RETAIN, v. To keep; to detain. L. retineo: from re, 
back, and teneo, to hold. 

RETALIATE, v. To return like for like. L. re, back, 
and talio, like for like. 

RETARD, v. To delay; to hinder. L. retardo; re, back, 
and tardo, to stop : tardus, slow. 

RETENTION, s. Act of retaining. L. retentio; reten- 
tus, p. part, of retineo. — See RETAIN. 

RETENTIVE, adj. Having the power of retaining: 
recollective. F. rete?itif.—kee RETENTION. 

RETICLE, s. A small bag, made of net-work, or some 
other material, (erroneously called a ridicule.) L. re- 
ticulum, a little net; dim. of rete, a net. 

RETICULATED, adj. Made of net-work; or in the 
form of the meshes of a net. L. reticulatus; from rete, 
a net. 

RETINUE. 5. A number of persons retained by, and 
attending on, a superior; a train. F. retenue, part, of 
retenir, to retain. — See RETAIN. 

RETIRE, v. To withdraw, or retreat; to go to a place 
- of privacy. F. retirer; re, back, and tirer, to draw. 

RETORT, s. A censure or incivility returned; a witty 
or satirical reply :■ — a glass vessel, with a bent neck, 
used by chemists in distilling. F. retorte; L. retortus, 
p. part, of retorqueo; re, back, and torqueo, to writhe, 
bend, or hurl. 

RETRACT, v. To recall; to recant, or change the 
mind. L. retractum, sup. of retraho: re, back, and 
traho, to draw. 



RET— REV- 
RETREAT, s. Act of going back, or retiring; place of 
retirement or privacy. F. retraite; L. retractus, p, 
part, oiretraho; re, back, and traho, to draw. 

RETRENCH, v. To pare off; to lessen. F. retrancher; 
L. re, again, and trunco, to lop off. 

RETRIBUTION. «. Repayment; atonement. F. retri- 
bution; L. retributus, p. part, of retribuo; re, back, 
and tribuo, to give or bestow. 

RETRIEVE, v. To recover; to restore; to repair; to 
regain. F. retrouver; comp. of re, again, and trowver, 
to find. 

RETROCEDE. v. To go back; to reassign. L. retro- 
cedo; retro, backward, and cedo, to depart, or yield. 

RETROCESSION, s. Act of retroceding. L. retro- 
cessum, sup. of retrocedo. — See RETROCEDE. 

RETROGRADE, v. To go backward; to decline from 
a state of improvement. L. retrogradior; retro, back- 
ward, and gradior, to go, or walk: gradus, a step. 

RETROGRESSION, s. Act of retrograding. L. re- 
trogressus, part, of retrogradior. — See RETRO- 
GRADE. 

RETROSPECT, s. Backward view; view of the past. 
L. retro, backward, and sfiectum, sup. of sficcio, to see 5 
or view. 

RETURN. ~v. To turn back; to come, or go back; to 
give back; to reply. L. re, again, and turn. (F. re- 
tourner.) 

REUNION, s. Return to a state of junction, cohesion, 
or concord. L. re, again, and union. 

REVEAL, v. To uncover; to disclose; to inform from 
Heaven. L. reveh; from re, back, and velum, a veil 
or curtain. 

REVELATION, s. Act of revealing; knowledge re- 
vealed. — See REVEAL. 

REVENUE, s. Income; annual return of profits, or 
amount of national imposts or rents. F. revenu; L. 
re, back, and venio, to come. 

REVERBERATE. x\ To beat back; to rebound; (used 
in relation to sound, or heat.) L. reverbero; re, back, 
and verbero, to whip or beat: verber, a whip. 

REVERBERATORY. 5. An oven or furnace in which 
the flame is confined by a dome, which occasions it 



REV— RHA 

to rebound before it passes into the chimney.*— -See 
REVERBERATE. 

REVERE, v. To reverence; to honour; to venerate. L. 
revereor; re, meaning again, or in a great degree, and 
vereor, to reverence, or fear. 

REVERENCE, s. Veneration; respect; act of obei- 
sance: — title of a clergyman. F. reverence; L. reve~ 
rentia; reverens, part, of revereor.— See REVERE. 

REVEREND, adj. Venerable; deserving reverence; 
also, an epithet applied to a clergyman. F. reverend: 
L. reverendus, (part, of revereor^) to be revered. — See 
REVERE. 

REVERSE, s. Change; vicissitude; misfortune; an op- 
posite. L. reversus, p. part, of reverto. See RE- 
VERT. 

REVERSION, s. Act of reverting. F. reversion; L. 
reversio — See REVERSE. 

REVERT, v. To return. L. reverto: re, back, and verto, 
to turn. 

REVILE, v. To vilify; to treat with contumely. L. re, 
back, and vilis, vile. 

REVISE, v. To review; to re-examine. L. revisum, 
sup. of revideo: comp. of re, again, and video, to see. 

REVIVE, v. To return to life; to reanimate; to renew. 
L. revivo: re, again, and vivo, to live. 

REVOCATION, s. Act of revoking; state of being re- 
voked; repeal, or reversal. L. revocatio: revocatus, 
part, of revoco. — See REVOKE. 

REVOKE, v. To recall, or repeal; to reverse. L. revo- 
co; re, back, and voco, to call. 

REVOLT, v. To desert; to refuse obedience; to turn 
away in disgust. F. revolter; L. revolutus, p. part, of 
revolvo; re, back, and volvo, to roll. 

REVOLUTION, s. Course of any thing which returns 
to the point at which it began to move; rotation; 
change of government. F. revolution; L. revolutus, 
p. part, of revolvo. — See REVOLVE. 

REVOLVE, v. To roll in a circle; to roll around; to 
consider. L. revolvo; from re, back, or again, and 
volvo, to roll. 

RHABDOLOGY. s. Computation by Napier's rods 
G. rhabdos, a rod, and logos, a word. 



RHE— RIT 

RHETORIC, s. The art of speaking with propriety and 
elegance; oratory. G. rhetorike; rhetor, an orator: 
from rheo, ( dico ) to speak. 

RHEUM. s. A thin watery matter oozing through the 
glands. G. rheuma; from rheo, fjluoj to flow. 

RHEUMATISM. s. A painful distemper, supposed to 
proceed from acrid humours, or rheum. G. rheuma- 
tismos See RHEUM. 

RHYME, s. Harmonical succession of sounds; gene- 
rally applied to that species of poetry, in which the 
last sound of one line corresponds with the last sound 
or syllable of another: but, the etymology of the word 
includes even what is called blank verse.— See 
RHYTHMUS. 

RHYTHMICAL, adj. Harmonical ; having one sound 
proportioned to another. — See RHYTHMUS. 

RHYTHMUS. s. Metre; harmonical succession of 
sounds, either in prose or verse. L. rythmics; G. 
rhuthmos, a rule. 

RIDICULE, s. Wit, or jeering, of that species which 
excites disrespectful laughter. F. ridicule; L. ridicu- 
lum; from rideo, to laugh. 

RIDICULOUS, adj. Promoting ridicule; worthy of 
contemptuous laughter. L. ridiculus. See RIDI- 
CULE. 

RIGHT, adj. According to rule; proper; just; true:— 
the right hand is so called, because it is that which is 
used according to rule or usual custom. Derived, 
through the Saxon, from the L. rectus, p. part, of 
re go, to rule. 

RIGID, adj. Severe; inflexible; extremely strict. F. 
rig-id e ; L. rigidus ; from rigeo, to be very cold or 
frozen. 
| RIGOROUS, adj. Extremely cold; rigid; severe; ex- 
tremely strict—See RIGOUR. 

RIGOUR, s. Severe coldness; severity; extreme strict- 
ness. L. rig-or; rigeo, to be very cold, or frozen. 

RISIBLE, adj. Having the faculty or power of laugh- 
ing ; exciting laughter. F. risible; L. risibiiis; rideo, 
to laugh. 

RITE. s. Solemn act of religion ; external observance. 
L. rituS) a rite or religious ceremony. 



RIT— .RUB 

RITUAL, s. A book in which are written the rites and 
observances of religion. L. ritualis. — See RITE. 

ROBUST, adj. Strong; sinewy; vigorous. L. robustus; 
robur, oak, of the hardest kind. 

RODOMONTADE, s. A vain, noisy, bluster or boast; 
a rant. F. rodomontade; from a boasting, boisterous 
hero, of the Italian poet, Ariosto, called, Rodomonie. 

ROGATION, s. Supplication; church-litany. L. roga- 
Ho; from rogo, to entreat. 

ROSTRUM, s. The scaffold from which the Roman 
orators harangued. When Camillus overcame An- 
tium, the capital of the Volsci, he carried the prows 
or beaks of their ships to Rome, and placed them 
in the Forum, on a tribunal, — -thence called Rostrum, 
signifying the beak of a ship. 

ROTARY, adj. Moving around as a wheel. L. rota, a- 
wheel. 

ROTATION, s. The act of turning round like awheel; 
succession, so that when the last has completed a 

' duty, the first will recommence, and each will continue 
to repeat in his turn. L. rotatio : from rotatus, p. 
part, of roto, to turn round like a wheel : rota, a 
wheel. 

ROTUNDA, or ROTUNDO. s. A circular building, 
such as the Pantheon of Rome. L. rotundus, round : 
rota, a wheel. 

ROTUNDITY, s. Roundness. L. rotunditas; rotundus, 
round; rota, a wheel. 

ROUGE, s. Red paint, for the face. F. rouge, red. 

ROUND, adj. Circular; spherical; sounding smoothly; 
not precisely expressed, but denoted, through conve- 
nience, chiefly by round numbers, or figures ;— as, 
5000, instead of 5123. Y.rond; L. rotundas; from 
rota, a wheel. 

ROUTE, s. Way; road; order, and direction for march- 
ing. F. route, a way. 

ROUTINE, s. Established mode, or practice. F. — See 
ROUTE. 

ROYAL, adj. Kingly; regal. F. from roi, (formerly roy,) 
a king. 

RUBRIC. Si Directions, printed in books of law, and in 



RUB—SAC 

prayer-books; originally distinguished by being in red 

ink. L. rubrica; ruber, red. 
RUBY. s. A precious stone, of a red colour. L. ruber, 

red. 
RUDE. adj. Untaught; in a state of nature; barbarous; 

of coarse manners; uncivil; unpolished; boisterous. L. 

rudis, new, or fresh. 
RUDIMENTS, s. First principles; elements of science; 

first parts of education. L. rudimenium, the first rules : 

rudis, new or fresh, and mens, a design. 
RUIN. s. Fall or destruction; remains of something de- 
molished. F. ruine; L. ruina, from ruo, to fall. 
RUMINATE, v. To chew the cud; to consider again 

and again. L. rumino, to chew over again. 
RUMOUR, s. Popular report. L. rumor; ruo, to rush. 
RUPTURE, s. Act of breaking or bursting; state of 

being broken or burst; breach of peace; open hos- 
tility. F. rupture: L. rufitus, p. part, of rumfto, to 
< break or burst. 
RURAL, adj. Relating or pertaining to the country, 

F. rural; L. ruralis : from ruris, gen. of rus, the 

country. 
RUSE DE GUERRE. A trick of war; a stratagem. 

F. ruse, a trick, de, of, guerre, war. 
RUSTIC, adj. Rural; clownish. L. rusticus; from rus, 

the country. 
RUSTICATE, x>. To reside in the country; to acquire 

the manners of the country. L. rusticor. — See RJJS- 

TIC. 



S. 

P SACCHARINE, adj. Having the qualities <of sugar. L. 
saccharum, sugar. 
SACERDOTAL, adj. Relating or pertaining to the 
priesthood. L. sacerdotalis: sacerdos, a priest; ccmp. 
of sacer, sacred, and dos, a portion. 
SACRAMENT, s. A religious ceremony; the eucha- 
rist. L. sacramentum; sacer, sacred, and mens, a de- 
sign. 



SAC— SAL 

SACRED, adj. Holy; devoted to religious uses; not to 
be violated; consecrated. L. sacer, sacred. 

SACRIFICE, v. To offer to Heaven; to kill at the altar 
as an atonement or propitiation; to destroy or give up 
for the sake of something else, or through rashness or 
misconduct. L. sacrifice: sacer, sacred, and facia, to 
make. 

SACRILEGE, s. The crime of appropriating, to one- 
self, what is devoted to religion ; or of violating or pro- 
faning sacred things. L. sacrilegium: comp. of sacer, 
holy, and lego, to gather, or steal. 

SACRISTY, s. An apartment, in which are deposited 
the consecrated vessels or moveables of a church. F. 
sacristie; L. sacris, gen. of sacer, sacred. 

SAFE. adj. Free from danger ; free from hurt ; confer- 
ring security: — s. a place for meat, See. F. sauf; L. 
salvus, safe. 

SAGACIOUS, adj. When applied to mere animals, de- 
notes quick of scent, or having a more extended men- 
tal faculty than is usually possessed by brutes.— Men 
are sagacious when they are quick of thought, or acute 
in discovering. L. sagaoc, quick-scented. 

SAGITTARIUS, s. One of the twelve signs of the 
zodiac. L. Sagittarius, an archer: sagitta, an arrow. 

SAINT, s. A person revered for piety and virtue. F. 
saint; L. sanctus, holy or pious: from the p. part, of 
sancio, to make sacred. 

SAL AMMONIAC, s. A species of salt, formerly dug 
from the sands in some parts of Africa; an artificial 
salt, named muriate of ammonia. L. sal, salt, and G. 
amnios, sand. 

SALIANT. adj. In heraldry, denotes in a leaping pos- 
ture. F.— See SALIENT. 

SALIENT, adj. Leaping; moving by leaps; — in forti- 
fication, projecting. L. saliens, part, of salio, to leap.*' 

SALIFIABLE, adj. Capable of combining with acids 
and forming salts. L. sal, salt, and „/?<?, to become. 

SALINE, adj. Partaking of the properties of salt. L. 
salinus; from sal, salt. 

SALIVA, s. That which flows from the mouth; juice 
separated by the salival glands. L. saliva, spittle. 



SAL— SAN 

SALIVATE, v. To purge by the salival glands. L. sa~ 
Hvo.—See SALIVA. 

SALLY, s. Sortie; rapid egress, as from a place be- 
sieged ; volatile or sprightly exertion of wit. F. sallie: 
L. salio, to leap. 

SALUBRIOUS, adj. Wholesome; promoting health, 
L. salubris: sains, health. 

SALUTARY, adj. Contributing to safety ; advantage- 
ous. L. salutaris: from salutis, gen. of salus, health, 
or safety. 

SALUTE, v. To greet ; to hail ; to honour in a mili- 
tary way, by a discharge of guns, a present' of arms, 
&c. L. saluto: salus, health. 

SALVABLE. adj. Possible to be saved. L. salvo, to 
save. 

SALVAGE, s. Recompense for saving goods from a 
wreck, or a ship from being lost, when found at sea 
without any living person on board. F. from the L. 
salvo, to save. 

SALVATION, s. Preservation ; saving of the soul from 
eternal misery. L. salvo, to save. 

SALVE, s. A remedy ; a remedial plaster. L. salvo, to 
save. 

SALVO, s. An exception ; a reservation. L. abl. of 
salvus, safe ; that is, saved, or excepted. 

SANATIVE, adj. Curing; healing. L. sano, to heah 

SANCTIFY, v. To make holy F. sanctifier; L. sanc- 
tifico: sanctas, holy, and facio, to make. 

SANCTIMONY, s. Holiness ; appearance of holiness. 
L. sanctimonia: sanctus, holy. — See SAINT. 

SANCTION, s. Solemn confirmation ; countenance. L. 
sanctio: sanctus, p. part, of sancio, to make sacred. 

SANCTITY, s. Holiness ; purity. L. sanctitas. — See 
SAINT. 

SANCTUARY, s. A sacred or holy place ; properly 
the most retired and awful part of a temple ; sacred 
asylum. L. sanctuarium: sanctus, p. part, of sancio, 

SANCTUM SAJVCTORUM. The Holy of Holies, or 
most holy place ; that part of a temple which is pro- 
hibited to be entered, or looked into. L. 
[23] 



SAN—SAT 

SANE. adj. Healthy; of sound mind. L. sanus, whole, 
or sound. 

SANG FROID. s. Coolness ; indifference; apathy. F. 
sang, blood, a.ndfroid, cold. 

SANGUINARY, adj. Bloody ; cruel ; murderous. L. 
sanguinarius: sanguinis, gen. of sanguis, blood. 

SANGUINE, s. Red ; having the colour of blood ; 
abounding with blood ; warm ; ardent ; confident. L. 
sanguineus; from sanguinis, gen. of sa?iguis, blood. 

SANITY, s. Soundness of mind; opposed to insanity. 
L. sanitas. — See SANE. 

SANS, prefi. Without. F. 

SANSCULOTTES, s. A reproachful name given to 
one of the parties of France, in the period which suc- 
ceeded the revolution of 1789. F. sa7is, without, cu- 
lotte, breeches. 

SAPIENT, adj. Wise. L. sapiens, part, of sapio, to be 
wise. 

SAPONACEOUS, adj. Soapy; having the qualities of 
soap. L. saponis, gen. of sapo, soap. 

SARCASM, s. A keen reproach ; a taunt. F. sarcasme; 
L. sarcasmus; G. sarkasmos: from sarkazo, to draw 
aside the flesh, or grin; sarx, flesh. 

SARCOTIC. adj. Incarnative; having the quality of 
filling up sores with new flesh. G. sarx, flesh. 

SATELLITE, s. An attendant, (in an evil sense ;) a 
small planet revolving around a larger. L. satelles, a 
species of soldiers, or a partisan. 

SATIATE, v. To satisfy; to glut, or fill beyond natu- 
ral desire. L. satio: G. satto, to burthen. 

SATIETY, s. Fulness, beyond desire or pleasure ; more 
than enough. L. satietas. — See SATIATE. 

SATIRE, s. A poem, (or prosaic discourse,) in which 
wickedness or folly is censured. L. satyr a, or satira: 
G. saturos, a sylvan god. This kind of poem is of 
very ancient date ; and (according to Horace) was 
introduced, into the Greek tragedies, by way of inter- 
lude, to relieve the audience from the force of those 
strokes which were thought too deep and affecting. 
In these satirical interludes, the scene was laid in the 
country, and the persons were rural deities, satyr s t 
peasants, &c. 



SAT— .SCH 

SATISFACTION, s. Act of fully satisfying, or state 
of being satisfied ; release from suspense ; recompense 
for an injury. L. satisfactio. — See SATISFY. 

SATISFY, v. To content ; to recompense ; to appease 
by punishment ; to free from doubt, perplexity, or 
suspense ; to convince. L. satisfacio: comp. of satis, 
enough, and facio, to make. 

SATURATE, v. To impregnate, until no more can be 
received or imbibed. L. saturo: from satur, full-fed. 

SAT URN IAN. adj. Happy ; golden ; used by the poets 
in relation to times of felicity, such as are fabulously 
related to have been in the days of Saturn, when he 
is said to have reigned in Italy. 

SATURNINE, adj. Gloomy; grave; of severe tem- 
per ; supposed to be born under the dominion of the 
planet Saturn. L. saturninus. 

SAVAGE, adj. Wild; uncultivated; uncivilized ; bar- 
barous ; cruel. F. saitvage; L. sylva, a wood. 

SAVE. v. To preserve from danger or destruction ; to 
reserve or lay by; to except. F. sauver; L. salvo, to 
preserve. 

SAVE, firefi. Except; not including. Imperative of the 
verb save. 

SCALADE. s. Entry of a fortified place by means of 
ladders. F. from the L. scala^ a ladder. 

SCx\LE. v. To enter by means of a ladder; to climb 
as by a ladder. L. scala, a ladder. 

SCALE, s. Regular gradation; regular series, rising 
like a ladder ; a figure subdivided by lines like the 
steps of a ladder, used in measuring proportions ; se- 
ries of harmonic proportions, &c. L. scala, a ladder. 

SCANDAL, s. Oftence given by the faults of others; 
reproachful aspersion ; infamy. L. scandalum; G. 
skandalon: skazo, to halt, or be maimed. 

SCEPTIC, s. One who assents or believes only after 
seeing unquestionable evidence. F. scefitique; G. 
skefitikos: from skefitomai, to look around. 

SCEPTRE, s. A kind of royal staff, or batoon, now 
used only on solemn occasions. L. scejitrum; G. 
skefitron; from ske/ito, to lean upon. 

SCHEME, s. Plan; project; contrivance. G. schema, 
a manner. 



SCH— SCO 

SCHISM, s. Separation or division, arising from dis- 
cordant opinions. G. schisma: from sc/iizo, to cleave. 

SCHISMATIC, s. One who has separated in conse- 
quence of holding a different opinion. — See SCHISM. 

SCHOLAR. s. Member of a school ; one who learns of 

a master; a disciple; a man of letters. -See 

SCHOOL. 

SCHOLIUM. s. A note ; an explanatory observation. 
L. from the G. scholion. — See SCHOOL. 

SCHOOL, s. A place of discipline and instruction ; sys- 
tem of doctrine, peculiar to any teacher. L. schola; 
G. sckole, retirement, leisure. 

SCIATER. s. An instrument used in designing. G. 
skia, a shadow. 

SCIENCE, s. Knowledge ; any species of knowledge. 
Science is theoretical knowledge ; Art is practical 
knowledge. Botany is a science ; Gardening, an art. 
F. science; L. sciential sciens, part, of scio, to know. 

SCIENTIFIC, or SCIENTIFICAL. adj. Producing 
demonstrative or certain knowledge ; philosophical ; 
not mechanical. F. scientifguej L. scientia, know- 
ledge, and facio, to make. See SCIENCE. 

SCINTILLATE, ~v. To emit sparks. L. scintillo; scin- 
tilla, a spark : scindo, to break off, or divide. 

SCIOLIST, adj. One who knows many things superfi- 
cially. L. scio, to know. 

SCIOPTIC. adj. Pertaining to an instrument used in 
the camera obscura. G. skia, a shadow, ojitomai, to 
see. 

SCIRE FACIAS. The name given to a judicial writ, 
ordering the defendant to show cause, why the execu- 
tion should not be made out of a judgment which has 
passed. L. facias, you must cause [us,] scire, to know : 
scio, and facio. 

SCLEROTIC, adj. Hard ; an epithet applied to one of 
the coats of the eye. F. sclerotique; G. skelos, hard. 

SCORL\. s. Dross; recrement. L. scoria; G. skoriaj 
skor, dung. 

SCORPIO, s. One of the twelve signs of the zodiac, 
L. scorftio, a scorpion. 

SCOTOMY. *. A dizziness of the head, which causes 
dimness of sight. G, skotoma: skoto-o, to darken. 



SCO— SEC 

SCOURGE, s. A whip ; an instrument of punishment; a 
punishment ; one that harasses, or destroys. F. escour* 
gee; L. corrigia; from corrigo, to correct : con, with, 
and re go, to rule. 

SCRIBBLE, -v. To write without use or elegance ; to 
Write carelessly or ill. L. scribillo: scribo, to write. 

SCRIBE, s. A writer. This term was much used be- 
fore the invention of printing. L. scriba, a writer. 

SCRIPTURE, s. Sacred writing ; (plural,) the Bible, 
L. scrijitura: scribo, to write. 

SCRIVENER, s. One who writes contracts ; one who 
writes under the superintendence of an attorney. L. 
scribo, to write. 

SCRUPLE, s. Doubt ; difficulty of determination, gene- 
rally respecting minute things ; twenty grains ; prover- 
bially, any small quantity. L. scrupulus; from scru- 
tor, to search diligently, or explore. 

SCRUTABLE. adj. Discoverable by inquiry. L. scru- 
tor, to search diligently, or explore. 

SCRUTINY, s. Minute search, or examination. L. scru- 
tinium: scrutor, to search diligently, or explore. 

SCRUTOIRE. s. A cabinet for writings. F. ecritoire, 
(formerly escritoire:) ecrire, to write. 

SCULPTOR, s. A carver ; one who cuts wood or stone 
into images. L. sculptor: sculfitus, p. part, of sculfio 9 
to carve, or grave. 

SCURRILOUS, adj. Grossly opprobrious ; vile ; low. 
L. scurrilis: scurra, sl scoffer : G. skurro, to weary 
or vex. 

SEBACIC adj. Sebacic acid is procured from animal 
fat. L. sebaceus; sebum, tallow. 

SEBATES. s. Salts formed by the sebacic acid, when 
combined with alkalies, earths, and metallic oxides. — 
See SEBACIC. 

SECANT, s. A right line drawn from the centre of a 
circle, meeting and cutting another line, without it, 
called the tangent. L. secans, part, of seco, to cut. 

SECEDE. ~u. To withdraw, in consequence of holding a 
different opinion. L. secedo; se, denoting separation, 
and cedo, to depart. 

SECESSION, s. Act of seceding. L. secessio. — Set 
SECEDE. 

[23*] 



SEC— SEC 

SECLUDE, -v. To shut up, or confine from ; to with- 
draw ; to exclude. L. secludo; comp. of se, denoting 
separation, and claudo, to shut. 

SECOND, adj. Following next in order to the first ; the 
ordinal of two ; inferior. F. second; L. secundus; from 
sequor, to follow. 

SECOND, s. One who is not a principal, but a sup- 
porter or abettor ; one who accompanies another in a 
duel ; a sixtieth part of a minute, formerly called a 
second minute. — See the adjective. 

SECONDARY, adj. Not primary ; following the first; 
subordinate ; not of the first order. L. secundarius. — 
See SECOND. 

SE'CRET. adj. Retired ; private ; unseen ; hidden ; un- 
revealed. F. secret: L. secretus, part, of secerno, to 
put asunder : se, asunder, and cerno, to sift. 

SECRETARY, s. One entrusted with the secrets, or 
the management of business ; one who writes for an- 
other ; a writing desk, or cabinet for holding valuable 
papers. L. secretarius. — See SECRET. 

SECRETE', -v. To hide ; (in the animal economy,) to 
separate. — See SECRET. 

SECRETION, s. That agency in the animal economy 
which consists in secreting or separating the various 
fluids of the body ; the fluid secreted. — — See SE- 
CRETE. 

SECT, s, A separate body, or subdivision of persons, 
holding an opinion different from the society from 
which they have separated. F. secte; L. secta.—- See 
SECTION. 

SECTION, s. A part divided from the rest ; a division. 
L. sectio; sectus, p. part, of seco, to cut. 

SECTOR, s. In geometry, a mathematical instrument, 
for describing or measuring angles. L. from sectus, 
p. part, of seco, to cut, or divide. 

SECULAR, adj. Relating to affairs of this world ; not 
spiritual : — in the church of Rome, not bound by mo- 
nastic rules. L. secularis; seculum, an age or period 
of man's life : secula, a scythe, (from seco y to cut ;) 
alluding to the emblematical scythe of Time. 

SE C UJVD UM AR TEM. According to art. L. 









SEC—SEN 

SECURE, adj. Using no care to avert danger; without 
fear ; confident ; safe ; sufficiently confined to prevent 
escape. L. securns; se, asunder, and cura, care. 

SEDATE, adj. Still; calm; serene; grave. L. sedatus, 
p. part, of sedo, to allay : sedeo, to sit. 

SEDENTARY, adj. Passed in sitting still ; without 
motion or action. L. sedentarius ; sedeo, to sit. 

SEDIMENT, s. That which subsides to, or rests at the 
bottom. F. sediment; L. sedimentum; sedeo, to sit, or 
rest on. 

SEDITION, s. Mutiny ; treasonable conspiracy. L. se- 
ditio; from sedeo, to sit : that is, to sit together, or 
convene. 

SEDUCE, v. To lead from duty or allegiance ; to al- 
lure ; to betray ; to dishonour. L. seduco; se, asunder, 
and duco, to lead. 

SEDUCTION, s. Act of seducing. F. seduction; L. 
seductus, p. part, of seduco. — See SEDUCE. 

SEDULOUS, adj. Assiduous ; industrious. L. sedulus; 
sedeo, to sit. 

SEGMENT, s. A figure contained between a chord and 
an arch of a circle, or so much of a circle as is cut off 
by the chord. F. segment; L. segmentum; from seco, 
to cut. 

SELECT, adj. Chosen; chosen on account of superior 
excellence. L. selectus,^. part, of selego: se, asunder, 
and lego, (leg ere, J to choose. 

SELENOGRAPHY, s. A description of the moon. G. 
selene, the moon, and grafiho, to write. 

SEMBLANCE, s. Likeness ; resemblance ; figure. F. 
semblance; L. similis, like. 

SEMI. *. A word which, used in composition, signifies 
half; as, semidiameter, half the diameter. L. 

SEMINAL, adj. Relating or pertaining to seed. L. semi- 
nalis; seminis, gen. of semen, seed. 

SEMINARY, s. The ground in which seeds are sown, 
with a design of transplanting their produce ; place of 
education, where the seeds of knowledge, and of fu- 
ture usefulness and good conduct, are sown. L. semi- 
narium; from semen, seed. 

SENATE, s. An assembly of state counsellors or legis- 



SEN—SEN 

lators, chosen on account of their mature age, and 
consequently greater experience, wisdom, and pru- 
dence. L. senatus; senex, an old man. » 

SENILE, adj. Relating or pertaining to old age. L. 
senilis; senium, old age. 

SENIOR, adj. The elder, (opposed to junior.) L. se- 
nior, compar. of senex, old. 

SENSATION, s. Perception or feeling through the 
senses. L. sensatio. — See SENSE. 

SENSE, s. Faculty or power by which external objects 
are perceived or felt by the mind. The senses are 
five in number ; — sip;ht, touch, hearing, smell, and 
taste. But this term is applied more extensively in 
common discourse, though restricted, as here defined, 
by metaphysicians. L. sensus; from a part, of sentio^ 
to discern by the senses. 

SENSIBLE, adj. Having the power of perceiving by 
the senses ; perceptible by the senses ; state of having 
perceived by the senses. — See SENSE. 

SENSITIVE, adj. Having sense or perception, but not 
reason ; affected by contact, or the touch, as a sensi- 
tive plant. F. sensitif. — See SENSE. 

SENSORIUM, or SENSORY, s. The part whence the 
senses transmit their perceptions to the mind; the seat 
of sense. L. — See SENSE. 

SENSUAL, adj. Affecting or pertaining to the senses, 
but not to the mind ; carnal ; luxurious ; lewd. F. sen- 
suel.—See SENSE. 

SENTENCE, s. Determination or decision, as of a 
judge ; doom ; so many words as express a sentiment 
or occurrence fully, and according to the rules of 
grammar. F. sentence; L. sententia, an opinion : from 
sentio, to be sensible of, or think. 

SENTENTIOUS, adj. Abounding with sentences, ax- 
ioms, and maxims, — short and energetic. L. sententio- 
sus.—See SENTENCE. 

SENTIENT, adj. Perceiving; having perception. L. 
sentiensy part, of sentio, to perceive through the 
senses. 

SENTIMENT, s. Conception of the mind; notion; 
opinion ; meaning, considered distinctly from the Ian- 



SEN— SE# 

guage. F. sentiment; L. sentio, to think, or suppose, 

and mens, the mind. 
SENTINEL, s. One who watches or guards, to prevent 

surprise or theft. F. sentinelle; L. sentio, to discern. 
SENTRY, s. A sentinel.— See SENTINEL. 
SEPARATE, v. To sever a part from the rest ; to dis- 
unite ; to withdraw. L. separo; se, asunder, andparo, 

to make. 
SEPTANGULAR, adj. Having seven angles. L. sefi- 

tem, seven, and angulus, an angle. 
SEPTEMBER, s. The seventh month, when the year 

began in March. L. from septem, seven. 
SEPTENNIAL, adj. Lasting seven years; happening 

once in seven years. L. septennis; septem, seven, and 

annus, a year. 
SEPTIC, or SEPTICAL. adj. Corrupting; causing 

putrefaction ; L. septicus; G. septikos; from sepo, to 

putrefy. 
SEPTUAGINT. s. The ancient Greek version of the 

Old Testament ; so called, as being the work of about 

seventy (seventy-two,) interpreters. L. septuaginta, 

seventy. 
SEPTUPLE, adj. Sevenfold. L. septuple*; comp. of 

septem, seven, and duplex, double. 
SEPULCHRE, s. A grave, or tomb. L. sepulcrum; 

sepultus, p. part, of sepelio, to bury. 
SEPULTURE, s. Burial. F. sepulture; L. sepultura; 

sepultus, p. part, of sepelio, to bury. 
SEQUACIOUS, adj. Following ; attendant ; pliant. L. 

sequacis, gen. of sequax; sequor, to follow. 
SEQUEL, s. Succeeding part ; consequence ; event. F. 

sequelle; L. sequor, to follow. 
SEQUENCE, s. Order of succession ; series. L. se- 

quens, part, of sequor, to follow. 
SERENE, adj. Calm ; placid ; unruffled. L. serenus, 

clear, without clouds. 
SERIATIM. According to place or seniority. L. from 

series, an order, concatenation, or course. 
SERIES, s. Succession ; order ; course. L. series, an 

order, a concatenation, a course. 
SERIOUS, adj. Grave ; solemn ; in earnest ; important 

L. serius, grave, earnest. 



SER— -SEV 

SERMON, s. A religious or moral discourse, pronounced 
or composed generally by a clergyman. F. sermon; 
L. sermo, discourse, talk. 

SEROUS, adj. Thin ; watery ; relating or pertaining to 
the serum. L. serosus; serum, whey. 

SERPENT. 5. An animal that moves by undulation, 
without legs. L. serpens, part, of serpo, to creep. 

SERPENTINE, adj. Resembling a serpent ; winding 
like a serpent. L. serpentinus. — See SERPENT. 

SERRATE, or SERRATED, adj. Indented like the 
edge of a saw. L. serratus; serra, a saw. 

SERUM, s. In anatomy, a thin, transparent, saltish li- 
quor, which makes a considerable quantity of the mass 
of blood. L. serum, whey. 

SERVANT, s. One who is under an obligation to work 
for another. F. servant. — See SERVE. 

SERVE, v. To work for; to attend at command; to 
obey ; to supply with food or table furniture, ceremo- 
niously ; to supply ; to aid ; to promote ; to content ; 
to deliver, as in the case of a summons. L. servio; 
servus, a bond servant : servo, to keep, heed, or de- 
fend. 

SERVICE, s. Act of serving; time of serving; public 
office of devotion ; employment ; benefit, &c. F. ser- 
vice; L. sei~uitium. — See SERVE- 
SERVILE, adj. Slavish ; dependent ; mean ; fawning 
or cringing. L. servilis.—See SERVE. 

SERVITOR, s. One who acts under another; one of 
the lowest order in a university. F. serviteur.—SeG 
SERVE. 

SESS. s.— See CESS. 

SESSION, s. A stated assembly of magistrates, legisla- 
tors, divines, kc. ; the space during which the as- 
sembly sits. F. session; L. sessio; from sedeo, to sit. 

SETACEOUS, adj. Bristly ; set with strong hairs ; 
consisting of strong hairs. L. seta, a bristle. 

SETON. s. A hair, or thread of silk, inserted in the 
flesh, to cause a discharge of humour. F. seton; L. 
seta, a bristle, or strong hair. 

SEVER, v. To separate ; to disjoin. F. sevrer; L. se- 
fiaro; se, asunder, and par o, to make, 



SEV—SIG 

SEVERAL, adj. Different ; distinct ; particular ; sin- 
gle ; divers ; many. — See SEVER. 

SEX. 5. The property by which any animal or plant is 
male or female ; gender, as regards male and female. 
F. sexe; L.- sexus; sectus, p. part, of seco, to cut, or 
divide. 

SEXAGESIMA adj. Relating to the second Sunday 
before Lent ; so called as being about the sixtieth day 
before Easter. L. fern, of sexagesimus, the sixtieth. 

SEXANGULAR. adj. Having six angles. L. sex, six, 
and angulus, an angle. 

SEXENNIAL, adj. Lasting six years; happening once 
in six years. L. sex, six, and annus, a year. 

SEXTANT, s. The sixth part of a circle; an astro- 
nomical instrument formed like a quadrant, (of 90 
degrees,) but the limb of which comprehends 60 de- 
grees, or the sixth part of a circle. L. sextans, a sixth 
part : sex, six. 

SEXTILE. adj. Relating to the position of two planets, 
when at 60 degrees distance (the sixth of a circle,) 
from each other. L. sextilis: from sex, six. 

SEXTUPLE, adj. Sixfold ; six times told. L. sextu- 
filus: &sx, six, and duplex, double. 

SIBILANT, adj. Hissing. L. sibilans, part, of sibilo, 
to hiss. 

SICCATION. s. Act of drying. L. siccatus, p. part, of 
sicco, to dry. 

SIDERAL. adj. Starry ; astral. L. sideralis; sideris, 
gen. of sidus, a star. 

3IDEROGRAPHIC. adj. Relating to the art of en- 
graving or impressing letters and other figures on 
iron or steel ; an art brought to a very high state of 
perfection, if not invented, by Perkins, Sc Co. of Phila- 
delphia. G. sideros, iron, and grafiho, to write. 

SIGN. s. A mark ; that by which any thing is shown ; 
an omen. F. signe; L. signum, a mark. 

SIGN. v. To affix or subjoin one's hand-writing or 
seal, as evidence of identity or ratification ; to signify, 
-—See the substantive. 

SIGNAL, s Notice given by a sign ; a sign that gives 
notice ; adj. conspicuous ; remarkable. F. signal.— 
See SIGN. 



SIG— SIN 

SIGNATURE. 5. A sign or mark impressed upon any 
thing ; sign-manual. F. signature; L. signatura. — 
See SIGN. 

SIGNET, s. A seal, generally used for the seal-manual 
of a prince. F. signette; dimin. of signe, a mark. — 
See SIGN. 

SIGNIFY, v. To declare by some sign or token ; to 
express ; to import. F. signijier; L. significo; comp. 
of signinn, a sign, and/izcio, to make. 

SILEX. s. Flint. L. 

SILICEOUS, adj. Having the nature of silex or flint. 
L. siliceus, or silicius: silicis, gen. of silex, a flint 
stone. 

SILVAN, or SYLVAN, adj. Woody ; shady ; retaining 
or pertaining to woods. L. sil-ua, or sylva, a wood. 

SIMILAR, adj. Like ; resembling. F. similaire; L. si- 
mi lis ) like. 

SIMILE', s. A comparison, by which any thing is il- 
lustrated or made more striking to the understanding. 
L. similis, like. 

SIMILITUDE, s. Likeness ; resemblance ; comparison. 
L. similitudo: from si?nilis, like. 

SIMONY, s. The crime of buying or selling church 
preferments ; so called, from the resemblance it is 
said to bear to the sin of Simon Magus, who, upon 
seeing the miraculous effects of the laying on of the 
apostles' hands, offered them money ; saying, " Give 
me, also, this power," Sec. — Luke. 

SIMPLE, adj. Single ; uncompounded ; plain ; artless ; 
unskilled ; silly. F. simple; L. simplex: comp. of sin- 
gulus, single, and filico, to fold. 

SIMULATION, s. Act of assuming the appearance of 
some particular character, with the intention of de- 
ceiving. F. simulation; L. simulatio: si?nulatus, p. 
part, of simulo: similis, like. 

SIMULTANEOUS, adj. Acting together ; acting at the 
same time. L. simultaneus; from simul, together, and 
teneo, to hold. 

SINECURE, s. An office which has revenue without 
any care or employment. L. sine, without, cur a, care. 

SIA r E' DIE, When a business is adjourned sine die+ 



SIN— SOC 

no day is appointed for its reconsideration. L. «?»<?, 
without, die, (abl. of dies,) a day. 

SINE' QUA NON. A sine qua non (without which, 
not,) is an indispensable condition, — without which 
being acceded, one of the parties is predetermined 
not to sign a treaty or compact : thus, the " acknow- 
ledgment of the independence of the United States" 
was a sine qua non, proposed and obtained by the 
American commissioners at Paris in 1782-3. L. 

SINGLE, adj. Not more than one; unconnected; parti- 
cular; individual; alone; unmarried. L. singulus, 
every, each one, one by one. 

SINGULAR, adj. Single; expressing only one; not 
plural; unexampled; remarkable; unique, ^.singula- 
ris.—See SINGLE. 

SINISTER, adj. Left, as opposed to right ; evil designed ; 
unfair. L. 

SINISTROUS. adj. Absurd; perverse; evil designed. 
—See SINISTER. 

SINUATED. adj. Bent in and out. L. sinuatus, p. 
part, of sinuo, to wind: sinus, a bosom, or bay. 

SINUOUS, adj. Bending in and out. L. sinus, a bosom, 
or bay. 

SIREN, s. A goddess, (one of three,) who is fabulously 
related to have enticed men by singing, and then de- 
voured them; any mischievous enticer. L. siren. The 
name, according to Bochart, who derives it from the 
Phenician language, implies a songstress. Its mean- 
ing is, therefore, synonymous with the G. surizo, to 
play on a pipe. 

SITE. s. Situation; local position. L. situs: from situs, 
(p. part, of sino,) set, or placed. 

SITUATION, s. Place; position; condition; state. F. 
situation. — See SITE. 

SKELETON. s. The bones of a body, preserved or re- 
maining, as nearly as possible, in their natural posi- 
tion; the frame of any thing, in an unfinished or de- 
cayed state; officers of a regiment which has been 
wasted in service. G. from skelo, to dry. 

SKEPTIC— See SCEPTIC. 

SOCIAL, adj. Fond of society; relating to society; fa- 
[24] 



SOC— SOL 

miliar; cheerful; agreeable. L. socialis: from socius, 
a companion. 

SOCIETY, s. Union of many in one general interest; 
people thus united; company. F. societe; L. societas: 
socius, a companion. 

SOI DISANT. Self-called ; as, the soi-disant baronet. F. 

SOJOURN, v. To dwell only for a time; to live as from 
home. F. sejourner; journee, a journey: jour, a day. 

SOLAR, adj. Relating or pertaining to the sun. L. so- 
laris: sol, the sun. 

SOLDIER, s. A warrior: originally, one who served 
for pay. L. solidarius. Low L. of solidus, a piece of 
money. 

SOLE. s. That part which touches the ground. L. so- 
lum, that which sustains or bears any thing on it; the 
ground. 

SOLE. adj. Single; only; (in law,) not married. Old F. 
sole; L. solus, alone. 

SOLECISM, s. Unfitness of one word to another; im- 
propriety in language. L. solcecismus; G. soloikis?nos: 
Soloe, a Grecian city of Cilicia, in Asia "Minor, the in- 
habitants of which degenerated, in lani^age, from the 
purity of the Attic dialect; hence, the Athenians ap- 
plied the term, soloikoi, to all people of barbarous 
speech, and to all barbarians. 

SOLEMN, adj. Religiously grave; awful; serious. L. 
solemnis, or solennis, yearly, or appointed: that is, 
done every year, at an appointed time, in the manner 
of a religious ceremony : solus, only, and annus, a 
year. 

SOLICIT, -v. To entreat; to implore; to ask. L. soli- 
cito, to stir or dig up the ground, to disturb, to be 
busy, to trouble, to press, to be urgent: solum, the 
ground, and cito, to excite, or stir up. 

SOLICITOUS, adj. Anxious; anxiously desirous; con- 
cerned. L. solicitus. — See SOLICIT. 

SOLID, adj. Not liquid; compact; not hollow; full of 
matter; strong; firm; having all the geometrical di- 
mensions; sound; real; grave. L. solidus, substantial. 

SOLIDUNGULOUS. adj. Whole-hoofed, not cloven. 
L. solidus, solid, and ungulus, a hoof. 

SOLILOQUY, s. A discourse made by one, in private, 



SOL— SOP 

to himself. F. solilocjue: L. solus, alone, and loquor, 
to speak. 

SOLIPEDE.. s. An animal whose feet are not cloven. 
L. solicit, and pedes, pi. of solidus, solid, and pes, a 
foot. 

SOLITARY, adj. Alone; retired; done or passed with- 
out company; single. L. solitarius: solus, alone^ 

SOLITUDE, s. Solitary life; state of being alone; re- 
tirement; a desert. L. solitudo: solus, alone. 

SOLO. s. A tune designed for a single instrument or a 
single voice. Italian ; from the L. solus, alone. 

SOLSTICE, s. A point in the ecliptic, beyond which 
the sun does not go ; or, rather, beyond which the earth 
does not proceed, in its annual motion around the sun. 
L. solstitium; comp. of sol, the sun, and status, part, 
of sto, to stand. 

SOLSTITIAL, adj. Relating or pertaining to the sol- 
stice. L. solstitialis. — See SOLSTICE. 

SOLUBLE, adj. Capable of being dissolved. L. solu~ 
bilis: from solvo, to loosen, or melt. 

SOLUTION, s. Act of dissolving; matter dissolved; 
explanation. F. solution; L. solutio: solutus, p. part. 
of solvo, to loosen, untie, or melt. 

SOLVE, v. To explain; to make intelligible. L. solvo* 
to loosen, or untie. 

SOLVENT, adj. Having the power of dissolving; hav- 
ing the means of paying debts contracted, and thus 
dissolving an obligation. L. solvens, part, of solvo, 
to loosen, discharge, or melt. 

SOMNAMBULATE. v. To walk while asleep. L. som- 
nus, sleep, and ambulo, to walk. 

SOMNIFEROUS, adj. Causing sleep. L. somnifer: 
comp. of somnus, sleep, and/ero, to bring. 

SOMNIFIC, adj. Causing sleep. L. somnus, sleep, and 
facio, to make. 

SONATA, s. A tune. Italian; from the L. 50720, to 
- sound. 

SONNET. 5. A short poem, or species of song. F. son- 
net: L. sono, to sound. 

SOPHISM, s. A fallacious, argument, ingeniously 
framed ; an unsound subtlety. G. sophisma, something 
invented: sophia, wisdom. 



SOP— SPE 

SOPHIST, s. A professor of philosophy ; a framer of 
sophisms, or prating caviller. G. sophistes: sop/iia, 
wisdom. 

SOPHISTER. s. A disputant, fallaciously subtle; one 
who frames sophisms ; a particular rank in some uni- 
versities.— See SOPHIST. 

SOPHISTICATED, part. adj. Fallacious; spurious; 
adulterated.— See SOPHIST, and SOPHISTER. 

SOPHISTRY, s. Fallacious argumentation ; logical ex- 
ercise.— See SOPHIST. 

SOPORIFIC, adj. Causing sleep. L. sopor, sleep, and 
facto, to make. 

SORCERER, s. A pretended enchanter or magician. 
L. sortiarius; from sorii, (abl. of sors,^ by a lot or 
chance. 

SORDID, adj. Mean; vile; base; covetous; niggardly. 
L. sordidus: from sorcles, filth. 

SORORICIDE. s. Murder of a sister. L. sorer, a sis- 
ter, and c<zdo, to kill. 

SORT. s. A kind; a species; rank. \F. sorte: L. sors, a 
lot, chance, condition, kind. 

SOVEREIGN, adj. Supreme in power; chief; su- 
premely efficacious. F. souveraine: L. feufier r above, 
and regno, to reign. 

SPACE. «. Room; quantity of time; the relation of dis- 
tance between any two bodies or points. L. 'sfiatium, 
_ a space of ground or time; but, properly, a stage or 
distance in racing. 

SPACIOUS, adj. Wide; extensive; roomy. L. sjnitio- 
sus. — See SPACE. 

SPASM, s. Convulsion; violent and involuntary con- 
traction. G. sfiasnia; from spao, to draw, or pluck. 

SPASMODIC, adj. Convulsive.— See SPASM. 

SPECIAL, adj. Particular; peculiar; appropriate; de- 
signed for a particular purpose; extraordinary; un- 
common. L. specialis. — See SPECIES. 

SPECIES, s. A sort; a subdivision of a general term; 
single order of beings. L. species, a form, figure, or 
sort. 

SPECIFIC, adj. Relating or pertaining to the qualities 
which make or distinguish a species; appropriated to 



SPE— -SPE 

the cure of some one species of distemper. F. speci- 
fique: L. species, a sort, and ,/acz'o, to make. 

SPECIFY, v. To mention a species or sort by some 
particular marks of distinction; to show or declare 
particularly, not generally. F. specifier: L. species, a 
sort, and facia, to make, or delineate. 

SPECIMEN, s. A sample; a part of any divisible spe- 
cies exhibited, that the rest may be known. L. — See 
SPECIES. 

SPECIOUS, adj. Showy; plausible; apparently, but not 
really right or valuable. L. s/ieciosus: from specio, to 
see. 

SPECTACLE, s. Any thing perceived by the sight; a 
show ; something exhibited to the view as eminently 
remarkable ; (in the plural,) glasses to aid the sight. 
F. spectacle; L. spectaculum: spectum, sup. of specio, 
to see, 

SPECTATOR, s. A looker-on; a beholder. L. specta* 
tor.— See SPECTACLE. 

SPECTRE, s. An apparition; a phantasm. F. spectre; 
L. spectrum: spectum, sup. of specio, to see. 

SPECTRUM, s. An image; a visible form. Ocular 
spectra are images presented to the eye, after re- 
moving them from a bright object, or closing them. 
L. from specio, to see. 

SPECULAR, adj. Having the qualities of a mirror or 
looking glass. L. specularis; specio, to see. 

SPECULATE, v. To look forward with the mind; to 
conjecture; to purchase any thing under the impres- 
sion of a future advance in its value, — or to sell in 
expectation of a decline. L. specular: from specio, to 
see. 

SPECULUM, s. A mirror; a looking glass; that in 
which representations are formed by reflexion. L. spe- 
culum: specio, to see. 

SPERM, s. Seed; that by which a species is continued. 
G. sperma: speiro, to sow. 

SPERMATIC, adj. Seminal; consisting of seed; be- 
longing to or containing sperm.— See SP£RM. 

SPERMOLOGIST. s. One who gathers and treats of 
seeds. G. spermologos: comp. of sperma*, seed, and 
logos, a description. 
[24*] 



SPH— -SPI 

SPHACELUS, s. A gangrene; a mortification of the 

flesh. G. s/i/iak e I os: from sfihazo, to destroy. 
SPHERE, s. A globe; a solid body, contained under 
one, uniform, round surface, every point of which is 
equally distant from a certain point in the middle, 
called its centre; orb; circuit of motion; individual 
compass of knowledge or action ; particular employ- 
ment. L. sfihara; G. sfihaira, a bowl, or any thing 
that is round. 
SPHEROID, s. A solid body, oblong or oblate, approach- 
ing the form of a sphere. G. sfiaira, a sphere, and 
eidos, a shape. 
SPHINCTER, s. A muscle which binds up or draws 
together any passage or duct of the body. G. sfihingQ, 
to shut up. 
SPINE, s. The back-bone. L. sfiina, a thorn, a prickle, 
a pin, the back-bone, [or that which pins the body to- 
gether.] 
SPINjE. s. In botany, thorns or rigid prickles. L. pi. 

of spina, a thorn. 
SPINIFEROUS. adj. Bearing thorns. L. s/iina, a thorn. 

and fero, to bear. 
SPINOUS, adj. Thorny; full of thorns. L. sfiinosus: 

sfiina, a thorn. 
SPIRACLE, s. A breathing hole; a vent; a small aper- 
ture. L. sfiiraculum: sfiiro, to breathe. 
SPIRAL, adj. Curve; winding; circularly formed, like 

a screw. — See SPIRE. 
SPIRE, is. A curve line; a curl ; a wreath ; a building 
of a taper form, on the outside or inside of which 
winding stairs are built; any building of a taper form, 
without winding stairs. L. s/iira: from the G. sjieira, 
a rope; alluding to the winding convolutions of the 
several plies of a rope. 
SPIRIT, s. Breath; principle of animal life; an imma- 
terial substance; an intellectual being; the human 
soul ; a spectre ; temper ; ardour ; courage ; enter- 
prise; desire; characteristical likeness; an inflamma- 
ble and intoxicating liquor, obtained by distillation. L. 
sfiiritus: sfiiro, to breathe. 
SPIRITUAL, adj. Distinct from matter; incorporeal; 
relating to the soul; not temporal; relating to eter- 



SPI— -SQU 

uitv; ecclesiastical. F. spiriiucl; L. sfiirituaiis .—•> See 
SPIRIT. 

SPIRITUOUS. «c//. Having the quality of distilled spi- 
rit. F. sfiiritucux. — See SPIRIT. 

SPLEEN. s. The milt; one of the intestine members, 
the use of which is scarcely known. It is fancied to 
be the seat of anger, melancholy, and mirth; hence, 
the application of the term, in relation to these pas- 
sions. L. and G. s/ilen. 

SPLENDID, adj. Showy; magnificent; sumptuous; 
pompous. F. sfilendide; L. sfilendidus: sfilendeo, to 
shine. 

SPLENETIC, adj. Troubled with the spleen; fretful; 
peevish. F. sfilenetiquc. — See SPLEEN. 

SPOIL, v. To carry away by force; to plunder; to in- 
jure; to grow useless. L. sjwlio: from the G. spao y to 
draw, or pluck off. 

SPOLIATION, s. Act of robbery, or illegal seizure. L. 
sfioliatio. — See SPOIL. 

SPONSOR, s. One who makes a promise or gives se- 
curity for another. L. s/ionsor: sfio?isus, p. part, of 
sfwndeo, to promise willingly. 

SPONTANEOUS, adj. Voluntary; natural; without 
cultivation. L. s/iontaneus: from sfiondco, to promise 
willingly. 

SPOUSE, s. One joined in marriage; a husband or 
wife. F. efiouse, (formerly, espouse;} L. s/ionsa: sjion- 
sus, (p. part, of 8fio?idejo,) willingly promised. 

SPRIGHT, or SPRITE, s. A spirit; an apparition, 
This word is a contraction of Spirit. 

SPRIGHTLY, adj. Airy; with spirit; lively; See 

SPRIGHT. 

SPUME, s. Foam, or froth. L. sjiuma: s/iuo, to spit : 
and, from the same root, is derived the verb s/ieiu. 

SQUADRON, s. Originally, signified a body of troops 
drawn up square. It now denotes part of an army, 
or part of a fleet, and sometimes, a small fleet. F. es- 
cadron; Italian, squadrone; L. quadratus, squared. 

SQUALID, adj. Foul; nasty; filthy. L. squalidus; squa- 
leoy to be filthy. 

SQUAMOUS, adj. Scaly; covered with scales. L. 
squameus: squama^ the scale of a fish, Sec. 



SQU— ST A 

SQUIRE, s. This word, a contraction of Esquire, is 
used, by the peasantry of England, to denote a coun- 
try gentleman; and signifies, in some parts of the 
United States of America, a justice of the peace, or 
one of those low, illiterate, mercenary magistrates, 
who are, in general, a disgrace to the judicial cha- 
racter, and an injury to society. — See ESQUIRE. 

STABILITY, s. Capability of standing; steadiness; 
firmness. F. stabilite; L. stabilitas. — See STABLE. 

STABLE, adj. Capable of standing ; steady; firm. L. 
stabilis: sto y to stand. 

STABLE, s. A house for beasts. L. stabulum: sto, to 
stand. 

STAGNANT, adj. Motionless; not flowing. L. stag- 
nans, part, of stagno, to stand still. 

STAGNATE, v. To become motionless; to have no 
course or stream. L. stagnatus, p. part, oi'stagno, to 
stand still. 

STALACTITE, s. Spar, in the shape of an icicle, 
formed by water dropping from the fissures of a rock. 
G. stalazo, to drop. 

STAMINA, s. First principles; solids of the human 
body; (in botany,) little threads or capiilaments, which 
grow up within the flowers of plants, and encompass 
the style. L. pi. of stamen, hemp, flax, &c. placed on 
a distaff for spinning, — or a thread : G. istemi, to place 
or build. 

STAMINEOUS. s. In botany, consisting of stamina or 
threads. L. stamineus. — See STAMINA. 

STATE, s. Condition: circumstances of nature or for- 
tune; degree; ceremonious order, or position ; rank ; 
grandeur ; nation or commonwealth. L. status: sta- 
tus, p^ part, of sto, to stand. 

STATE, v. To represent the state or condition, in all 
the circumstances of modification ; to explain. — -See 
the noun. 

STATED, part. adj. Established; ordained; regular. 
L. status, p. part, of sto, to stand, or continue. 

STATICS, ft. The science which considers the weight 
of bodies. G. statike: statos, part, of istemi, to stand 
or sustain. 



STA— STE 

STATION. 6-. Appointed place of standing or assem- 
bling; session at an appointed place; post; office; 

situation; rank; condition of life. F '. station; L,.statio: 

status, p. part, of sto, to stand. 
STATIONER, s. A vender of books, Sec. who remains 

in one station or fixed place, but does not sell as an 

itinerant, or pedler.— See STATION. 
STATUE, s. A standing image. F. statue; L. statua: 

status, p. part, of sto, to stand. 
STATU QUO. In its (his, her, or their,) former state. 

L. statu, in the state, quo, in which ; status and qui. 
STATURE, s. The height of any animal, measured 

when standing. F. stature; L. statural status, p. part. 

of sto, to stand. 
STATUS QUO. The "status quo ante bellum," the 

state in which [the several belligerents were] before 

the war. L. 
STATUTE, s. A law; an edict of a legislature. F. 

statut; L. statutum: status, p. part, of sto, to stand, 

or continue. 
STEGANOGRAPHY. s. The art of writing secretly 

in ciphers. G. stega?ios, secret, and grafiho, to write. 
STEGNOSIS. s. An obstruction of the pores of the 

body; the suppression of any evacuation. G. stegno-o, 

to bind. 
STEGNOTIC. adj. Binding; rendering costive. G. 

stegnotikos: from stegno-o, to bind. 
STELLAR, adj. Astral; relating to the stars. L. stella, 

a star. 
STELLATE, adj. Pointed in the manner of an irra- 
diating star. L. siellatus, part, of stellor : stella, a 

star. 
STENOGRAPHY, s. Short-hand. G.stenos, short, and 

grafiho, to write. 
STERCORACEOUS. adj. Relating to dung; partaking 

of the nature of dung. L. stercoraceus: stercoris, gen. 

of stercus-, dung. 
STEREOGRAPHY, s. Art of drawing the forms of 

solid bodies on a plane. G. stereos, solid, and grafiho, 

to write. 
STEREOMETRY, s. The art of measuring solid bodies. 

G. stereos, solid, and metreo, to measure. 



STE— STR 

STEREOTYPE, s. Stereotype printing- is by types cast 
together, in a solid plate ; not by types, each of which 
can be separated from the other. G. stereos, solid, and 
tujios, a type. 

STERIL. adj. Barren; unfruitful. L. sterilis: from the 
G. stereo, to take away. 

STIGMA, s. A mark of infamy. G. stigma: from siizo, 
to brand. 

STIGMATIZE, v. To brand, or distinguish by a mark 
of infamy.— See STIGMA. 

STILL, s. A vessel used in distilling. — See DISTIL. 

STIMULATE, v. To excite forward; to influence by 
some pungent motive; to increase the animal spirits. 
L. stimulo, to prick: G. stigme, a point. 

STIPEND, s. Salary; settled pay. L. stifiendium: from 
stifiis, a piece of money, with which the Roman sol- 
diers were anciently paid, by weight. 

STIPENDIARY, s. One who receives a stipend.— See 
STIPEND. 

STIPTIC. adj. -—See STYPTIC. 

STIPULATE, v. To bargain; to contract; to settle 
terms. L. stipulor: from stipo, to fill up close. 

STOIC, s. One who holds the doctrines of the heathen 
philosopher, Zeno. L. stoicus; G. stoikos: from stoa, 
a porch, in which Zeno taught. 

STOMACH, s. The ventricle is which food is digested; 
appetite. L. stomachus; G. stoma, a mouth, and echo, 
to have. 

STRANGLE, v. To choke; to suffocate; to kill by in- 
tercepting the breath; to hinder from birth or ap- 
pearance. L. strangulo; G. stranguio-o, to writhe, 
or twist. 

STRANGURY, *. A painful difficulty in passing urine. 
L. stranguria; G. strangouria; comp. of strangx, a 
drop, and ouron, urine. 

STRATA, s. Layers. Plural of Stratum. L. 

STRATAGEM.**. An artifice in war; a trick, by which 
some advantage is endeavoured to be gained. L. strata- 
gema; G. strategema: from strategeo, to command an 
army: comp. of stratos, an army? and ago, to lead. 

STRATIFY, v. To arrange in strata, or layers. F. 



STR— STY 

stratiper: L. stratum, a bed or layer, and facio, to 

make. 
STRATUM, s. A layer. L. stratum: stratus, p. part. 

of sterno, to spread. 
STREET, s. A way (properly a paved way.) between 

two rows of houses; the houses which bound the way. 

Derived, through the Saxon, from stratum: which is 

from stratus, p. part, of sterno, to spread. 
STRENUOUS, adj. Active; zealous; ardently labori- 
ous. L. strenuus, brisk. 
STRIvE. s. In natural history, the small grooves or 

channels in the shells of cockles, scallops, Sec. L. pi. 

of stria, a groove. 
STRIATE, or STRIATED, adj. Formed in stria. L. 

striatus, p. part, of strio, to groove. 
STRICT, adj. Exact; accurate; rigorously attentive to 

rules; severe; confined; tight. L. strictus, p. part, of 

stringo, to grasp or hold fast. 
STRICTURE. s. Contraction ; critical remark. L. 

strictura: strictus, p. part, of stringo, to grasp or hold 

fast. 
STRUCTURE, s. Act of building; practice of build- 
ing; that which is built; form; arrangement of words. 

F. structure ; L. structura : struct us, p. part, of 

struo, to pile up. 
STUDENT. 5. One who is studying. L. studens, part. 

of studeo, to study. 
STUDY, .v. Application of mind to books and learning; 

deep cogitation; any particular kind of learning. L. 

studium: studeo, to study. 
STUPEFACTION, s. Act of stupefying; state of being 
' stupefied. F. stupefaction; L. stupefactus, p. part, of 

stupefacio. — See S.TUFEFY. 
STUPEFY, -v. To make stupid. L. stupefacio: comp. 

of stupor, senselessness, zndfacio, to make. 
STUPID, adj. Dull ; wanting sensibility; wanting ap- 
prehension; sluggish. L. stupidus. — See STUPOR. 
STUPOR. s. Suspension or diminution of sensibility. 

L. stupor: from the G. stupho, to tie fast. 
STYGIAN, adj. Relating or pertaining to the river Styx; 

hellish; infernal. L. stygius; Stygis, gen. of Styx, 



STY—SUB 

the poetical infernal lake. G. Stux: from stugev, to 
tremble. 

STYLE. .9. A pointed iron, used anciently in writing on 
tables of wax ; manner of writing, with regard to the 
language; manner of executing, effecting, or acting, 
in general; title, appellation; the pin of a dial, &c. L. 
stylus; G. stulos. 

STYPTIC, orSTYPTICAL. adj. Astringent; effica- 
cious in stopping a flow of blood. L. styfitkus; G. 
stuptikos: stufiho, to tie fast, or bind. 

SUASIVE. adj. Persuasive. L. suadeo, to persuade. 

SUAVITY, adj. Agreeableness; amiability. F. suavite; 
L. suavitas; suavis, sweet, in smell or taste. 

SUB. A Latin preposition, signifying under, or in a 
subordinate degree. 

SUBALTERN, adj. Subordinate; of rank below that 
of a captain. F. subalterne: L. sub, under, and alter, 
another. 

SUBAQUEOUS, adj. Existing under water. L. sub, 
under, and aqua, water. 

SUBDIVIDE, s. To divide that which has been al- 
ready divided. L. sub, under, (meaning, in a subordi- 
nate degree,) and divide. 

SUBDIVISION, s. Act of subdividing; thing subdi- 
vided. L. siitb, under, (meaning, in a subordinate de- 
gree,) and division. 

SUBDUCE, or SUBDUCT, v. To withdraw; to take 
away; to subtract. L. subduco, (sup. subductum:) sub, 
under, and duco, to lead. 

SUBDUCTION. s f Act of subducing, or subducting. 
L. subductio. — See SUBDUCE. 

SUBDUPLE, or SUBDUPLICATE. adj. Containing 
one part of two. F. subdufile; from the L. sub, un- 
der, and dufilex, double, or du/ilicatus, doubled. 

SUBERATES. s. Salts formed by the combination of 
any base, with the suberic acid — See SUBERIC. 

SUBERIC, adj. Suberic acid is obtained from cork. L. 
suber, the cork tree, or cork. 

SUBJACENT, adj. Lying under. L. subjacens, part, 
of subjaceo; sub, under, and jaceo, to lie. 

SUBJECT', v. To reduce to submission j to make sub- 



SUB— SUB 

ordinate ; to enslave ; to expose ; to make liable. — See 
SUB'JECT. 

SUB'JECT. s. One who lives under the dominion of 
another ; that on which any operation, either mental 
or material, is performed ; that in which any thing in- 
heres or exists; (in grammar,) the nominative case to 
a verb. L. subjectus, p. part, of subjicio; sub, under, 
zxidjacio, to throw. 

SUBJOIN, v. To add at the end. L. sub, under, and 
join. 

SUBJUGATE, v. To conquer; to subdue, h.subjugo: 
sub, under, and jngum, a yoke. 

SUBJUNCTIVE, adj. Subjoined; dependent; contin- 
gent. L. subjunctivus; from subjungo: sub, under, 
and jungo, to join. 

SUBLIMATE, or SUBLIME, v. To raise by the force 
of fire ; to elevate.— See the adj. SUBLIME. 

SUBLIME, adj. High in place; high in excellence; in- 
describably grand. L. sublimis, lofty. 

SUBLINGUAL, adj. Placed under the tongue. L. sub, 
under, and lingua, the tongue. 

SUBLUNARY, adj. Terrestrial; of this world. L. sub, 
under, and luna, the moon. 

SUBMARINE, adj. Lying or acting under the sea. L. 
sub, under, and mare, the sea. 

SUBMERGE, v. To put under water. L. submergo: 
comp. of sub, under, and mergo, to sink. 

SUBMERSION, s. Act of submerging; state of being 
submerged. F. submersion; L. submersus, p. part, of 
submergo.— See SUBMERGE. 

SUBMISSION, s. Act of submitting. L. submissio: 
submissus, p. part, of sub mitt o. — See SUBMIT. 

SUBMIT, v. To resign ; to leave to discretion; to refer 
to judgment; to be subject; to acquiesce in the au- 
thority of another; to yield. L. submitto; comp.. of 
sub, under, and mitto, to send, or throw. 

SUBORDINATE, adj. Inferior in order, in nature, in 
dignity, or in power. L. sub, under, and ordinatus, 
p, part, of ordino, to put in order: ordo, an order, or 
rule. 

SUBORN, v. To procure the aid or favour of, by se- 
[25] 



SUB— SUB 

cret and dishonest means; to seduce from duty. L. 
sudornd: sub, under, (meaning secretly,) and orno, to 
deck or furnish. 

SUBPCENA. s. A writ commanding attendance, under 
a penalty. L. sub, under, fia>na, punishment. 

SUBSCRIBE, v. To write under; to give consent to, 
or promise by underwriting the name ; to assent. L. 
subscribo: sub, under, and scribo, to write. 

SUBSCRIPTION, s. Act of subscribing; amount, &c. 
subscribed; written contribution. L. subscriptio: sub- 
scrifitus, p. part, of subscribo. — See SUBSCRIBE. 

SUBSECTION, s. A subdivision of a larger section. 
L. sub, under, and section. 

SUBSEQUENT, adj. Following. L. subsequens, part, 
of subsequor; comp. of sub, under, or next after, and 
sequor, to follow. 

SUBSERVE, v. To serve in subordination; to serve 
instrumentally. L. subservio: sub, under, and ser~i>io y 
to serve. 

SUBSIDE, v. To sink; to fall to the bottom; to cease. 
L. subsido: sub, under, and sido, to perch, or settle; 
- or subsideo; comp. of sub, under, and sedeo., to sit. 

SUBSIDIARY, adj. Assistant; aiding. L. sub&idiarius. 
—See SUBSIDY. 

SUBSIDY, s. Aid, in a general, national, or military 
way. L. subsidium: from subsidior, to be ready to 
help : sub, under, and sedeo, to sit. 

SUB SILEJYTIO. In silence; without any notifica- 
tion. L. sub, under, silentio, abl. of silentium, silence. 

SUBSIST, v. To be; to have existence; to retain the 
present state or condition; to continue. L. subsisto: 
from sub, under, and sisto, to stand still, or stay. 

SUBSTANCE, s. Something existing; something tan- 
gible; the essential part; means of life. L. substantia: 
substans, part, of substo, to stand still: sub, under, and 
sto, to stand. 

SUBSTANTIAL, adj. Having substance ; real ; ac- 
tually existing; material; solid; firm; strong; durable; 
moderately wealthy. — See SUBSTANCE. 

SUBSTANTIATE, v. To prove real; to prove, as in 
giving evidence. — See SUBSTANCE. 

SUBSTANTIVE, s. A noun; the name of a person, or 






SUB— SUB 

of a thing, real or imaginary. L. substantivum. — See 
SUBSTANCE. 

SUBSTITUTE, s. One person acting in the place of 
another; any thing used instead of some other thing. 
L. substitutus, p. part, of substituo; sub, under, and 
statuo, to set, or place. 

SUBSTRUCTURE, s. Foundation; that part of any 
building which is under the surface of the ground 
(opposed to superstructure.) L. sub, under, and struc- 
ture. 

SUBTANGENT. *. In any curve, is the line which 
determines the intersection of the tangent in the axis 
prolonged. L. sub, under, and tangens, part, of tango, 
to touch. 

SUBTEND, v. To be extended under. L. sub, under, 
and tendo, to stretch. 

SUBTENSE. 8. That which is extended under; the 
chord of an arch. L. sub, under, and tensus, p. part, 
of tendo, to stretch. 

SUBTERFLUENT, or SUBTERFLUOUS. adj. Flow- 
ing under. L. subterfluens, part, of subterfluo: subter, 
under, andj#«o, to flow. 

SUBTERFUGE, s. A shift; an evasion; a trick. F. 
subterfuge: L. subter, under, and fugio, to run away. 

SUBTERRANEOUS, or SUBTERRANEAN, adj. 
Lying under (within,) the earth; placed under the 
earth. L. subterraneus; from sub, under, and terra, 
the earth. 

SUBTILE, or SUBTLE, adj. Thin; not dense ; vapor- 
ous ; nice ; fine ; piercing ; acute : — also, cunning ; art- 
ful ; refined or acute beyond necessity. In these 
senses, it is generally written subtle. L. subtilis, finely 
spun. 

SUBTRACT, v. To withdraw a part from the rest ; to 
diminish ; to deduct, by arithmetic, a less sum from a 
greater, and place the remainder underneath. L. sub- 
tracting sup. of subtraho: sub, under, and traho, to 
draw. 

SUBURB, s. Building without the walls of a city; pre- 
cin< :. L. suburbium; sub, under, and urbs, a city. 

SUBVERSION, s. Act of subverting; state of being 



SUB— SUF 

subverted. F. subversion; L. subversus, p. part, of 
aubverto.—See SUBVERT. 
SUBVERT, v. To overthrow ; to overturn ; to turn 
upside down; to corrupt; to confound. L. subverto; 
from sub , under, (meaning in a subordinate degree,) 
and verto, to turn. 
SUCCEDANEUM. s. A substitute. L. from succedo, 
to follow. 

SUCCEED, v. To follow in order; to come into the 
place of one who has quitted or died; to obtain one's 

• desire ; to terminate prosperously, &c. L. succedo; 
sub, under, or next after, and cedo, to depart. 

SUCCESS, s. The termination of any affair, fortunate 
or unfortunate,; — but often used in a happy sense, 
without any qualifying term. L. successus; from a 
part, of succedo. — See SUCCEED. 

SUCCESSION, s. Act of succeeding; regular order; 
series. L. successio; successus, p. part, of succedo. 
—See SUCCEED. 

SUCCINCT, adj. Concise; brief. L. succinctus, p. part, 
of succingo; co'mp. of sub, under, and cingo, to gird. 

SUCCOUR, -v. To aid ; to relieve. L. succurro; sub, 
under, and curro, to run. 

SUCCULENT, adj. Juicy; moist. L. succulentus: sue- 
cus, juice. 

SUCCUMB, -v. To yield ; to sink under any difficulty. 
This expression is inelegant. L. succumbo; sub, un- 
der, and cumbo, to lie. 

SUDATION. s. Sweat; a sweating. L. sudatio; sudo, 
to sweat. 

SUDATORY, s. A sweating chamber. L. sudatorius; 
from sudo, to sweat. 

SUDORIFIC, adj. Promoting sweat. F. sudorijique; L. 
sudor, sweat, and facio, to make. 

SUFFER, v. To bear; to undergo; to feel, with sense 
. of pain; to allow; to be injured. L. suffer o; sub, un- 
der, and fero, to carry. 

SUFFICE, v. To be sufficient; to satisfy. L. suffLcio; 
sub* under, or near to, and facio, to make. 

SUFFICIENT, adj Equal to the proposed end ; enough ; 
competent. L. suffciens, part, of suffcio. — See SUF- 
FICE. 



SUF— SUM 

SUFFOCATE, v. To choke, or prevent respiration, by 
the exclusion or interception of air. L. suffoco; from 
sub, under, and focus, a fire-hearth, or a fire. 

SUFFRAGAN, adj. A suffragan bishop is subject to 
his metropolitan or superior bishop. L. suffraganeus. 
—See SUFFRAGE. 

SUFFRAGE, s. Vote; voice given in a controverted 
point. F. suffrage; L. suffragium; from, suffero. — See 
SUFFER. 

SUFFUSED, part. ad). Spread. L. suffusus, p. part, 
of suffundo: sub, under, and fundo, to pour out. 

SUGGEST, v. To hint privately; to intimate; to pro- 
pose. L. suggestum, sup. of suggero; comp. of sub^ 
under, and gero, to carry. 

SUICIDE, s. Self-murder. L. suicidium; sui, of him- 
self or herself, and ccedes, slaughter: cado, to kill. 

SUI GENERIS. Of its own kind; not to be classed 
under any ordinary description. L. gen. of suus, and 
genus. 

SUIT. s. A set; a number of things corresponding one 
to another ; a petition or address of entreaty ; court- 
ship ; prosecution or action at law. F. suite; suivre, 
to follow. 

SUITABLE, adj. Fitting; according with ; agreeable. 
—See SUIT. 

SUITE, s. Series; retinue; (pronounced siveet.) — See 
SUIT. 

SUM. s. The whole; many particulars conjoined, so as 
to form a total ; the result of reasoning or computa- 
tion; quantity of money; completion; height. L. sum- 
ma; summus, highest. 

SUMMARY, adj. Short; brief; last; immediate; com- 
pendious. L. summarium, an abridgment. — See SUM. 

SUMMON, v. To call with authority; to admonish to 
appear; to cite; to excite; to raise. L. summoneo; 
sub, under [subject to a penalty,] and moneo, to put 
in mind, or warn. 

SUMMUM BOJSTUM. The chief good. L. neuter of 
summus and bonus. 

SUMPTER. *. An animal which carries provisions on 
a journey. L. sumfitus, p. part, of sumo, to take. 

SUMPTUARY, adj. Relating to expense; regulating 
[25*] 



SUM— SUP 

expenditures; promoting economy. L. sumptuarius; 
sumptus, expense: from sumo, to take or procure. 

SUMPTUOUS, adj. Costly; expensive; splendid. L. 
sumptuosus ; sumptus, expense: from sumo, to take 
or procure. 

SUPER. In composition, denotes above, over, more 
than another, more than enough. L. 

SUPERABLE. adj. Conquerable; that may be over- 
come. L. superabilis ; super, above. 

SUPERABUNDANCE. 5. Overabundance; more than 
enough. L. super, above, and abundance. 

SUPERADD, -v. To add over and above. L. super- 
addo: super, above, and addo, to add. 

SUPERANNUATED, part. adj. Impaired or disquali- 
fied by age. L. super, above or beyond, and annus, a 
year. 

SUPERB, adj. Grand; pompous; splendid. L. super- 
bus; from super, above. 

SUPERCARGO, s. A person sent in a ship, to super- 
intend the disposal or purchase of the merchandise. 
L. super, over, and cargo. 

SUPERCILIOUS, adj. Haughty; dogmatical; dictato- 
rial ; arbitrary ; overbearing. L. super ciliosus, of a 
sour countenance ; from supercilium, the brow. 

SUPEREROGATION, s. Performance of more than 
duty requires. L. super, beyond or above, and ero- 
gatio, a bestowing: from erogo; comp. of e, from, and 
rogo, to ask. 

SUPERFICIAL, adj. Lying on the surface; not reach- 
ing below the surface; shallow; not profound ; insuf- 
ficient; smattering; not learned. F. superjiciel. — See 
SUPERFICIES. 

SUPERFICIES, s. Outside; surface. L. comp. of super, 
above, and fades, a face. 

SUPERFINE, adj. Eminently fine. L. super, above, and 
fine. 

SUPERFLUOUS, adj. Exuberant ; more than enough; 
unnecessary. L. superfiuus, flowing over : super, 
over, and Huo, to flow. 

SUPERINCUMBENT, adj. Lying on the top. L. su- 
per, -above, and incumbent. 

SUPERINDUCE, v. To bring in as an addition; to 



SUP—SUP 

bring in something extrinsic. L. super, over, and in- 
duce. 

SUPERINTEND, v. To oversee; to conduct. L. super, 
over, and intend. 

SUPERIOR, adj. Higher; greater in dignity or excel- 
lence ; upper ; (with to,) not to be conquered or over- 
come by. L. compar. of super, or supra, above. 

SUPERLATIVE, adj. Implying or expressing the 
highest degree; superior; paramount. L. super lati- 
vus; superlatus, p. part, of superfero; super, beyond, 
or above, and/ero, to carry. 

SUPERNATANT, adj. Swimming above; floating. L. 
sufiernatansy part, of supernato ; comp. of super, 
above, and nato, to swim. 

SUPERNATURAL, adj. Above the powers of nature; 
unusual. L. super, above, and natural. 

SUPERSEDE, v. To make void or inefficacious by su- 
perior power; to set aside; to displace. L. supersedeo: 
super, over, and sedeo, to sit. 

SUPERSTITION, s. Unnecessary fear or scruples in 
religion; observance of unnecessary and uncommanded 
rites or practices; false religion or worship; too scru- 
pulous exactness. L. super stitio ; super, beyond or 
above, and sto, to stand. 

SUPERSTRUCTURE, s. That which is built or raised 
upon something else; that which is raised above the 
surface of the ground : (opposed to substructure.) L. 
super, above, and structure. 

SUPERVENE, v. To come as an extraneous addition. 
L. supervenio; super, above, or besides, and venio, to 
come. 

SUPERVENTION, s. Act of supervening. L. super- 
ventus, p. part, of supervenio. — See SUPERVENE. 

SUPERVISE, v. To oversee; to examine the general 
conduct or accounts of others. L. super, over, and vi- 
sum, sup. of video, to see. 

SUPPLANT, v. To displace by stratagem ; to over- 
come. L. supplanto; from sub, under, and planta, the 
foot. 

SUPPLE, adj. Pliant; flexible; flattering; fawning. L. 
sup/ilex; sub, under, and piico, to fold. 

SUPPLEMENT, s. Addition to any thing, by which 



SUP— -SUR 

its defects are supplied. L. supplementum; suppleo, 
to fill up. 

SUPPLIANT, adj. Humbly entreating; praying; sub- 
missive. F. suppliant; L. supplicans, part, ofsupplico. 
—See SUPPLICATE. 

SUPPLICATE, v. To entreat; to implore; to petition 
submissively and humbly. L. supplico, to beg on one's 
knees : sub, under, and filico, to fold [the hands.] 

SUPPLY, v. To fill up, as any deficiencies happen; to 
give something wanted ; to serve instead of; to bring; 
to furnish. L. suppleo; sub, under, or near to, zndpleo, 
to fill. 

SUPPORT, v. To sustain; to prop; to bear up; to en- 
dure; to aid; to defend; to supply with the necessa- 
ries of life. L. supper to; sub, under, and porto, to 
carry, or bear. 

SUPPOSE, v. To advance, by way of argument or il- 
lustration, without maintaining the truth of the posi- 
tion : to admit without proof; to conjecture ; to imagine. 
F. supposer; L. suppo situs, p. part, oisuppono; sub, 
under, and pono, to place. 

SUPPOSITION, s. Act of supposing; thing supposed. 
F. supposition. — See SUPPOSE. 

SUPPRESS, v. To crush; to overpower; to subdue; to 
conceal ; to withhold. L. suppression, sup. of sup- 
primo; sub, under, and premo, to press. 

SUPPURATE, -v. To generate pus or matter; to be in 
a state of discharging matter. L. suppuro; sub, un- 
der, and pus, (puris,) corrupted. matter. 

SUPREMACY, s. Highest place; highest authority; 
state of being supreme. — See SUPREME. 

SUPREME, adj. Highest in authority or dignity; chief. 
L. sufire?nus, superlative of super, or supra, above. 

SURCHARGE, s. Additional charge; additional quan- 
tity. F. sur, (L. super,) over, and charge. 

SURCINGLE. «. Exterior girth ; that which binds 
down a saddle, by passing over it and the ordinary 
girths; the girdle of a cassock. F. sur, (L. super,) 
over, and L. cingula, a girth : cingo, to gird. 

SURFACE, s. Superficies; outside. F. sur, (L. super,) 
above, and face. 



SUR— SUR 

SURFEIT. 5. Sickness or satiety caused by over fulness 
or repetition. F. from sur, over, and fait, past. part, 
of faire, to do : L. super, and facio. 

SURGE, s. A rough, swelling sea; a billow; a foaming 
wave. L. sur go, to arise. 

SURGEON, s. One who cures by manual operation. F. 
chirurgeon, or chirugien; G. cheir, the hand, and er- 
gon, work. 

SURMISE, v. To suspect ; to imagine imperfectly ; to 
conjecture. F. surmise; sur, over, upon, or towards, 
(L. super,) and L. mitto, to send, or put forth. 

SURMOUNT, v. To rise above ; to conquer ; to over- 
come. F. surmonter; comp. of sur, above, and mon- 
ter, to get up, or rise : L. super, above, and mons, a 
mountain. 

SURNAME, s. Additional name ; family name ; the 
name which a person has besides his Christian name. 
F. sur, (L. super,) over, and name. 

SURPLICE, s. The outer, or white gown, worn by- 
some ministers of religion, during a part of the church- 
service. F. surplis; sur, over, and plisser, to fold: L. 
super, and plico. 

SURPLUS, s. Supernumerary or extra part; supera- 
bundant remainder. F. sur, over, and plus, more: L. 
super, and plus. 

SURPRISE, v. To take unawares ; to attack unex- 
pectedly ; to astonish by something wonderful ; to con- 
fuse or perplex by something sudden. F. surpris, p. 
part, of surprendre; L. super, over, and prendo, to 
take, or lay hold on. 

SURRENDER, v. To yield; to deliver to another; to 
resign. F. surrendre ; L. sub, under, and F. rendre, to 
return. 

SURREPTITIOUS, adj. Done by stealth; obtained or 
produced fraudulently. L. surreptitius; surrepo; sub, 
under, and repo, to creep. 

SURROGATE, s. A deputy; the deputy of an ecclesi- 
astical judge. L. surrogatus, p. part, of surrogo; sub, 
under, and rogo, to demand, or inquire. 

SURTOUT. s. A large coat worn over all the rest. F. 
comp. of sur, over, and tout, all. 

SURVEY, v. To look over; to view as from a higher 



SUR— SYL 

place; to examine; to measure the contents, and as= 
certain the relative position of lands. See Old F. sur- 
•veoir; sur, (L. super,) over, and voir, to see. 

SURVIVE, v. To outlive, or live after the death of an- 
other; to live after any thing. F. survivrej L. super ^ 
beyond, and vivo; to live. 

SUSCEPTIBLE, adj. Capable of receiving or admit- 
ting; subject to receive or admit. F. susceptible; L. 
susceptus, p. part, of suscipio; comp. of sub, under, and 
capio, to take. 

SUSCITATE. v. To rouse; to excite. L. suscito, tQ 
awake : from sub, under, and cito, to call. 

SUSPECT, v. To imagine, with a degree of fear and 
jealousy, what is not known ; to suppose guilty with- 
out proof; to conjecture; to doubt. L. suspectu?n f 
sup. of suspicio; sub, under, and specio, to behold. 

SUSPEND, v. To hang ; to make to stop for a while ; 
to delay ; to debar for a time from the execution of an 
office or the enjoyment of a revenue. L. suspendo; 
sub, under, and pendeo, to hang up. 

SUSPENSE. *. Uncertainty; doubt; delay. F. suspens; 
L. suspensus, p. part, of suspendo. — See SUSPEND. 

SUSPENSION, s. Act of suspending. L. suspensio: 
suspensus, p. part, of suspendo — See SUSPEND. 

SUSPICION, s. Act of suspecting; state of being sus- 
pected. L. suspicio.'— -See SUSPECT. 

SUSTAIN, v. To bear; to prop; to support; to endure; 
to suffer without yielding. L. sustineo; sub, under, and 
teneo, to hold fast. 

SUSTENANCE, s. Support; maintenance; food. F. 

soustenance; L. sustinens, part, of sustineo. See 

SUSTAIN. 

SYCOPHANT, s. A deceitful parasite ; a designing 
flatterer; a mean, insinuating fellow. L. sycophanta; 
G. sukophantes; suke, a fig, and phao, to tell. " By 
a law of Solon," says Plutarch, " no production of 
the Attican lands, except oil, was allowed to be sold 
to strangers,— and, therefore, it is not improbable, what 
some affirm, that the exportation of Jig* was formerly 
forbidden, and that the informer against the delin- 
quents was called a sycophant/'- 

SYLLABLE, s, A sound, pronounced by a single im- 



SYL— SYN 

pulse of the voice, and constituting a word, or part of 
a word. L. syiiaba; G. sullabe: sullambano, to con- 
tain, sun, with, and lambano, to take. 

SYLLABUS. *. An abstract ; a compendium, contain- 
ing the heads of a discourse. G. sullabos: sullam- 
bano, to contain: sun, with, and lambano, to take. 

SYLLOGISM, s. An argument composed of three 
propositions: as; every man thinks; Henry is a man; 
therefore, Henry thinks. L. syllogismus; G. sullogis- 
mos, sun, with, and logos, reason. 

SYLVAN, or SILVAN, adj. Woody; shady; relating 
or pertaining to woods. L. sylva, or silva, a wood. 

SYMBOL, s. A comprehensive form; a type; a figura- 
tive representation; a sign. L. symbolum; G. sumbo- 
lon; from sumballo, to bring together: sun, with, and 
ballo, to throw. 

SYMMETRY, s. Harmony of parts; proportion. L. 
symmetria; G. sun, with, and metron, measure. 

SYMPATHETIC, adj. Having mutual sensation; feel- 
ing in consequence of what another feels ; producing 
an effect by having some relative quality. F. symfia- 
thetique.—See SYMPATHY. 

SYMPATHY, s. Mutual sensibility; fellow feeling; 
the quality of being affected by the affection of an- 
other. F. sympathie; G. sumfiatheia; sun, with, and 
fiathos, affection: fiascho, to suffer. 

SYMPHONY, s. Harmony of sound; that part of a 
tune, composed in the same style, which is sung or 
played before or after the main part, or in the inter- 
vals, h.symphonia; G. sun, with, and phone, a sound. 

SYMPHYSIS, s. Act of growing together; union of 
two bones ; a mode of membral articulation, in which 
there is no motion. G. sun, with, and fihuo, to grow. 

SYMPTOM, s. That which happens with something 
else; a sign. F. symptone; G. sumptoma: comp. of 
sun, with, and pifito, to fall. 

SYNAGOGUE. s. A religious assembly of Jews; a 
Jewish place of worship. F. synagogue; G. sunagoge; 
sun^ with, and ago, to bring. 

SYNAL V .PHA. s. A contraction or excision of a sylla- 
ble in scanning Latin verse: as, ill'et, for ille et. G. 
sunaloiphe; sun, with, and aleipho y to mix. 



SYN— -SYR 

SYNARTHROSIS, s. A close conjunction of two bones. 
G. sun, with, and arthro-o, to form. 

SYNCHONDROSIS, s. A union, by gristles, of the 
sternon to the ribs. G. sun, with, and chondros, a car- 
tilage. 

SYNCHRONIC, or SYNCHRONICAL. adj. Hap- 
pening at the same time. G. sun, with, and chronos, 
time. 

SYNCOPE', s. Fainting fit ; contraction of a word, by 
cutting off a part in the middle. F. syncofiiefG. sun- 
kofie; sun, with, and kofito, to cut. 

SYNDIC, s. The chief magistrate of a corporation or 
a community. G. sundikos; sun, with, and dike, jus- 
tice. 

SYNECDOCHE, s. A figure, by which a part is sub- 
stituted for the whole, or the whole for a part. G. 
sunekdoke; comp. of sun, with, ek, out of, and decho- 
mai, to take. 

SYNOD, s. An assembly, particularly of ecclesiastics. 
L. synodus; G. sunodos: sun, with, and odos, a way. 

SYNONYMOUS, adj. Expressing the same thing ; of 
the same meaning. G. sunonumos; sun, with, and 
onuma, or onoma, a name. 

SYNOPSIS, s. A general view; all the parts brought 
under one view. G. sunofisis; sun, with, and 0/25-, a 
view. 

SYNTHESIS, s. The act of joining ; the act of forming 
a compound body by the union of elements : opposed 
to analysis. G. sunthesis : sun, with, and tithemi, to 
put. 

SYNTHETIC, adj. Conjoining; compounding: op- 
posed to analytic. G. sunthetikos. — See SYNTHE- 
SIS. 

SYRINGE, s. An instrument for squirting liquids. G. 
suringx, (fistula,) a pipe. 

SYRINGOTOMY. s. The act or practice of cutting 
fistulas or hollow sores. G. suringx, (fistula^) a pipe, 
and temno, to cut. 

SYRTIS s. A quick-sand, or shelf of sand, Caused by 
the motion of a whirlpool; a bog. L. syrtis; G. surfis, 
a whirlpool: from suro, to draw. 



SYS— TAI 

SYSTEM, s. Combination of many things acting t©* 

gether; a scheme which reduces many things to re- 

gulaY dependence or co-operation ; organization ; 

scheme; mode. F. systeme; G. sustema: sun, with, 

and istemi, to put. 
SYSTOLE, s. In anatomy, the contraction of the 

heart ; in grammar, the shortening of a long syllable. 

F. systole; G. sustole: sun, with, and stello, to draw 

together. 
SYSTYLE. s. A building, in which the pillars stand 

near together. G. sun, with, and stulos, a pillar. 



T. 

TABERNACLE, s. A temporary habitation; a sacred 
place; a place of worship. L. tabernaculum, a little 
house made of boards; from tabula, a board. 

TABID, adj. Wasted by disease; consumptive. L. ta- 
bidus: tabeo, to consume. 

TABLE, s. Any flat or level surface; a flat board, 
stone, Sec. used for meals and other purposes; a ta- 
blet ; a surface on which any thing is written or en- 
graved; an index; a catalogue; a synopsis, Sec. F. ta- 
ble; L. tabula, a board or table. 

TABLE D'HOTE. A public table; table of an inn. 
F. table, 2l table, de, of, hote, an innkeeper. 

TABULAR, adj. Delineated or described in the form 
of tables or a synopsis. L. tabularis. — See TABLE. 

TABULATED, adj. Tabular; having flat surfaces. — See 
TABLE. 

TACIT, adj. Silent; implied; not expressed by words. 
L. tacitus; from taceo, to be silent. 

TACITURNITY, s. Habitual silence. L. taciturnitas. 
—See TACIT. 

TACTICS, s. The science or art of arranging armies 
and fleets for battle. G. taktike: tasso, to put in order. 

TJEDIUM VIT2E. Weariness of life. L. 

TAILOR, s. One whose business is to make clothes. 
F. tailleur: tailler, to cut. 

TAINT, v. To stain or sully [the reputation;] to in- 
fect; to corrupt ; to putrefy. F. teindre, to dye. 

P«3 



TAL— TEC 

TALENT, s. A talent anciently signified a certain 
weight, or a sum of money ; the value differing, in 
different ages and countries. By a metaphor, taken 
from the talents mentioned in the New Testament, 
the term is used to express faculty, power, or gift of 
nature. L. talentum. 

TALLY, s. A stick, notched in conformity with an- 
other stick, with the units of an account; a single 
notch or mark of any sort, to represent one. F. taille: 
from tattler, to cut. 

TALLY, v. To fit; to be suitable; to conform; to mark 
one. — From the substantive. 

TANGENT, s. A right line, perpendicularly raised on 
the extremity of a radius, and touching a circle, so as 
not to cut it. F. tangent; L. tangens, part, of tango, 
to touch. 

TANGIBLE, adj. Perceptible by the touch; possible 
to be realized, so as to be made a subject of inquiry. 
L. tango, to touch. 

TANGLE, v.— See ENTANGLE. 

TANTALIZE, -v. To torment by the show of pleasure, 
which cannot be reached. Derived from Tantalus, a 
king of Lydia; who is represented, by the poets, as 
punished in hell by an insatiable thirst, and placed up 
to his chin in a pool of water, which flows away as 
soon as he attempts to taste it. 

TANTAMOUNT, adj. Equivalent. F. tantamount: 
tant, as much as, and monter, to mount, or go up. 

TAPIS, s. « On the tafiis," — oivthe carfiet; having be- 
come the subject of debate. F. 

TARDY, adj. Slow; sluggish. L. tardus: from tar do, 
to stop. 

TARTAREAN, adj. Hellish. L. tartarus: G. tarta- 
ros: from tarasso, to trouble. 

TAURUS, s. A sign of the zodiac. L. taurus, a bull. 

TAUTOLOGY. *. Repetition of the same words, or 
of the same sense, in different words. G. tautologia; 
tauto, the same, and logos, a word. 

TAVERN, s. An inn, or, rather, a house in which re- 
freshments are sold. F. taverne; L. taberna, a small 
house made of boards: tabula, a board. 

TECHNICAL, adj. Belonging to arts ; pertaining to 



TEC— TEM 

some -mechanical or professional business, and there- 
fore not commonly understood. G. technikos: from 
techne, an art. 

TECHNOLOGY, s. A description of arts; a treatise 
on mechanics. G. techne, art, and logos, a word, or 
description. 

TECTONIC, adj. Pertaining to building. G. tektoni- 
kos: tekton, a builder. 

TE DEUM. s. A hymn, so called because it begins 
with the words, Te Deum laudamus, we praise thee, 
God: — tu Deus laudo. 

TEDIOUS, adj. Wearisome by continuance, or by rea- 
son of prolixity; slow. L. tadium, weariness. 

TEGUMENT, s. In anatomy, a cover; the outward 
part. L. tegumentum; tego, to cover. 

TELEGRAPH, s. An instrument which answers the 
purpose of writing, by conveying intelligence to a dis- 
tance, by means of signals. G. telos; the extremity, 
and grapho, to write. 

TELESCOPE, s. An optical tube for viewing distant 
objects. G. telos, the extremity, and skopeo, to view. 

TEMERITY, s. Rashness; unreasonable contempt of 
danger. L. temeritas: from temno, to despise. 

TEMPER, v. To mix, so as that one part qualifies the 
other; to bring to due proportion; to moderate; to 
form metals to a proper degree of hardness. L. tern- 
fiero: from tempore, abl. of tempus, time, a conveni* 
ence, suitableness to the time present, &c. 

TEMPER, s. Due mixture of different or contrary 
qualities; constitution of body; disposition of mind; 
frame of mind; moderation; state to which metals are 
reduced, particularly as to hardness.—- See the verb. 

TEMPERATE, adj. Not excessive; moderate. L. tern- 
peratus, part, of ttmpero. — See TEMPER. 

TEMPEST. *. Extreme violence of wind ; an exces- 
sively destructive storm; tumult; perturbation. L. 
tempestas, time, season, weather, boisterous weather : 
from temfius, time. 

TEMPORAL, adj. Measured by time ; not eternal; se- 
cular ; not ecclesiastical; worldly; not spiritual. L. 
temporalis: temporis, gen of tempus, time. 

TEMPORARY, adj. Lasting or continuing only a 



TEM— TEN 

limited time : opposed to permanent. L. te?nJiorariusj 
temfiorisy gen. of temfius, time. 

TEMPT, v. To incite, by presenting some pleasure or 
advantage; to entice; to provoke. L. tento, to try. 

TENABLE, adj. Such as may be held against attacks; 
such as may be maintained against opposition. F. tena- 
ble: L. teneo, to hold fast. 

TENACIOUS, adj. Adhesive; inclined to hold fast; 
retentive; obstinate. L. tenax: teneo, to hold fast. 

TENACITY. s. Adhesiveness; glutinosity ; reten- 
tiveness ; obstinacy. F. tenacitej L. tenacitas: teneo, 
to hold. 

TENANCY, s. Possession as a tenant.— See TENANT. 

TENANT, s. One that holds by the authority of an- 
other; one that has temporary possession of lands, Sec. 
under a landlord. F. tenant: L. tenens, part, of teneo, 
to hold. 

TEND. v. To move towards; to be directed to any end 
or purpose; to contribute; to nurse or guard. L. ten- 
do, to stretch out. 

TENDENCE, or TENDENCY, s. Motion or direction 
towards; inclination towards. L. tendens, part, of ten- 
do.— See TEND. 

TENDER, adj. Soft; easily impressed or injured; deli- 
cate ; sensitive ; compassionate ; gentle. F. tendre: 
L. tendo, to stretch out, spread, or bend. 

TENDER, -v. To offer; to propose for acceptance, s. 
an offer or proposal. F. tendre: L. tendo, to stretch 
out. 

TENDINOUS, adj. Sinewy; containing tendons. L. 
tendinis.— See TENDON. 

TENDON, s. A sinew; a ligature, by which the joints 
are stretched out or contracted. F. tendon: L. tendo, 
to stretch out. 

TENDRIL, s. The clasp of a vine or other climbing 
plant. F. tendrillon: L. tendo, to stretch out. 

TENEBROUS, adj. Dark ; gloomy. L. tenebrosus: 
tenebree, darkness. 

TENEMENT, s. Any thing held by a tenant. F. tene- 
ment: L. tenementum: teneo, to hold. 

TENET, s. Principle; position. L. teneo, to hold. 






TEN— TER 

TENON, s. The end of a piece of timber, cut so as ts 
be fitted into another piece. F. tenon: L. teneo, to 
hold. 

TENOR, or TENOUR. s. Continuity of state ; con- 
stant mode; general currency; meaning; design; also, 
a term in music. L. tenor: from teneo, to hold. 

TENSE, adj. Stretched ; tight. L. tensus, p. part, of 
tendo, to stretch out. 

TENSE, s. In grammar, a variation of the verb, to sig- 
nify time. F. temfis; L. temftus, time. 

TENSILE, adj. Capable of being stretched or extended. 
L. tensilis. — See TENSE. 

TENSION, s. Act of stretching or extending; state of 
being stretched or extended. F. tension. — See TENSE. 

TENT. s. A moveable lodging-place or cabin, com- 
monly made by stretching canvass over poles. F. 
tente; L. tentorium; from tendo, to stretch. 

TENTER, s. A hook on which things are stretched. L. 
tentus, p. part, of tendo, to stretch. 

TENUITY, s. Thinness; smallness. F. tenuite; L. te~ 
nuitas: tenuis, slender: from teneo, to hold; that is, 
to hold easily. 

TENUOUS, adj. Thin; small. L. tenuis; from teneo, to 
hold ; that is, to hold easily. 

TENURE, s. The conditions on which tenements are 
held, in relation to the service to be rendered, extent 
of the lease, amount of rent, mode of payment, Sec; 
period or conditions of holding things in general. F. 
tenure: L. teneo, to hold. 

TEPEF ACTION, s. The act of moderately warming. 
L. teftefactus, p. part, of tefiefacio: tefiidus, (from 
tefieo,) moderately warm, and/ado, to make. 

TEPID, adj. Moderately warm: L. tefiidus; from tejieo, 
to be moderately warm. 

TERGIVERSATION.*. Subterfuge or evasion; change; 
fickleness. L. tergiversatio; tergum, the back, and ver- 
so, (from verto,) to turn often. 

TERM. s. Limit ; appellation ; condition, stipulation ; 
period ; time of being assembled for the transaction 
of business. L. terminus, a boundary. 

TERMINATE. ~u. To limit; to end; to stop. L. termi- 
no, to set bounds. 
[26*] 



TER— TES 

TERNARY, adj. Proceeding by threes; consisting of 
three. L. ternarius: from ter, thrice. 

TERRACE, s. A small mount of earth covered with 
grass; a balcony; an open gallery. F. terrace: L. ter- 
ra, earth. 

TERRAQUEOUS, adj. Composed of land and water. 
L. terra, land, and aqua, water. 

TERRENE, adj. Earthly; terrestrial. L. terrenus: terra, 
the earth. 

TERRESTRIAL, adj. Earthly ; not celestial. L. ter- 
restris: terra, the earth. 

TERRIER, s. A dog that follows his game under 
ground. F. terrier: L. terra, earth. 

TERRIFIC, adj. Dreadful ; causing terror. L. terrifi- 
cus: terror, terror, and facto, to make. 

TERRITORY, s. Land; dominion; district. L. territo- 
rium: terra, land. 

TERROR, s. Fear; dread. L. terror: terreo, to af- 
fright. 

TERSE, adj. Neat; elegant, without pompousness. F. 
ters; L. tersus, p. part, of tergeo, to make clean. 

TERTIAN, adj. A tertian fever intermits every third 
day. L. tertiana: tertius, the third : tres, three. 

TESSELATED. adj. Variegated by squares. L. tes- 
sella, a small square stone, or piece of wood, Sec. G. 
tessara, four: (a square has four sides.) 

TEST. s. Proof ; trial, or examination. F. test: L. testis, 
a witness. 

TESTACEOUS, adj. Consisting of shells; composed 
of shells ; having continuous, not jointed shells. L. 
testaceus: testa, a shell-fish. 

TESTAMENT, s. Evidence of a will, or intention as 
to the disposal of property after death ; evidence of 
Divine revelation and commandments, contained in 
the sacred volumes, called the New and Old Testa- 
ments. F. testament; L. testamentum: testis, a. wit- 
ness, and mentis, (gen. of mens,) of the intention. 

TESTAMENTARY, adj. Given by testament or will; 
contained in a will.— See TESTAMENT. 

TESTATE, adj. Having made a will. L. testatus, part, 
of testor y to bear fitness; from testis, a witness. 



TES—TEX 

TESTATOR, s. One who makes a will. L. from festia, 
a witness. 

TESTIFY, v. To witness; to give evidence. F. testi- 
Jier; L. testificor: comp. of testis, a witness, and facio, 
to make. 

TESTIMONY, s. Evidence given; proof by witness. 
L. testimonium: testis, a witness, and moneo, to put 
in mind. 

TESTUDINOUS. adj. Resembling the shell of a tor- 
toise. L. testudineus; from testudo, a tortoise. 

TETANUS, s. A contraction; a kind of stiffness or 
rigidity in any part of the body. G. tetanos: teino, to 
stretch. 

TETE A TETE. "Head to head;" a familiar dis- 
course. F, 

TETRAGONAL, adj. Square; consisting of four sides 
and angles. G. tetra, four, and gonia, a corner. 

TETRAMETER, adj. Consisting of four poetical mea- 
sures. G. tetrametros : tetra, four, and metreo, to 
measure. 

TETRANDRIA. s. A genus of plants with hermaphro- 
dite flowers and four male stamina. G. tetra, four, and 
aner, a male. 

TETRAPETALOUS. adj. Having four leaves around 
the style. G. tetra, four, and fietalon, a leaf. 

TETRAPLA. s. A bible in four columns, by Origen, 
each column containing a different Greek version. G. 
tetrafiloos, fourfold. 

TETRAPTOTE. s. A noun with only four cases. G. 
tetra, four, and ptosis, a case. 

TETRARCH. adj. One who governed the fourth part 
of a Roman province. L. tetrarcha; G. tetrarches: 
tetra, four, and archos, a chief. 

TETRASTIC. s. An epigram or stanza of four verses. 
G. tetrastichos: tetra, four, and stichos, a verse. 

TETRASTYLE. s. A building with four columns in 
front; a building with four pillars on a side. G. tetra 9 
four, and stulos, a pillar. 

TEXT. s. That on which a comment is written or 
spoken; a sentence of scripture. F. texte; L. textus^ 
p. part, of texo, to weave, or build. 



TEX— THO 

TEXTILE, adj. Woven; capable of being woven. L 
textilis; textus, p. part, of texo, to weave. 

TEXTURE, s. Something woven; manner of weaving; 
combination of parts. L. textura: textus, p. part, of 
texo, to weave. 

THEATRE, s. A place of exhibition; a playhouse. F. 
theatre; L. theatrum; G. theatron: from theamai, to 
behold. 

THEIST. s. One who believes in God. G. Theos, God. 

THEME, s. A subject on which a person speaks or 
writes; a short scholastic dissertation; the radical, or 
original word from which another is derived. G. the- 
ma; from theo, (pono,) to place or lay down. 

THEOCRACY, s. Government immediately superin- 
tended by God. F. theocratie; G. Theos, God, and 
krateo, to govern. 

THEO GO NY. 5. Fabulous generation of the gods. G. 
theogonia: theos, a god, and gone, offspring. 

THEOLOGY, s. The science of divinity. G. theologia; 
Theos, God, and logos, a description. 

THEOREM, s. A position laid down as an acknow- 
ledged truth. G. theorema: theo, (fiono,) to place, or 
lay down. 

THEORETIC, or THEORETICAL, adj. Speculative; 
depending on theory or speculation; not practical. G. 
theoretikos.— See THEORY. 

THEORY, s. Speculation; knowledge obtained by look- 
ing on, or from books, not from practice ; scheme or 
plan. G. theoreia; from theoros, a spectator. 

THERAPEUTIC, adj. Teaching the cure of diseases. 
G. therapeutikos; therafieuo, to heal. 

THERMOMETER, s. An instrument for measuring 
degrees of heat. G. therme, heat, and metreo, to mea- 
sure. 

THESIS, s. A position ; something laid down, either 
affirmatively or negatively. G. thesis: tithemi, (pono,) 
to place, or lay down. 

THORACIC, adj. Belonging to the breast, h- thoracis, 
gen. of thorax, the inner part of the breast. G. thorax. 

THORAL. adj. Relating to a bed. L. thorus or toros, 
twisted grass or straw, on which the ancients laid 



THR— TOP 

their bed-furniture for the convenience of sleeping. G, 
toros, a rope. 

THRONE, s. A royal seat; the seat of a bishop. L. 
thronus; G. thronos: from thrao, to sit. 

TIMID, adj. Fearful; timorous; wanting courage. L. 
timidus: timeo, to fear. 

TIMOROUS, adj. Fearful; timid. L. timor, fear. 

TINCTURE, s. Portion of extrinsic quality; extract of 
some drug, made in spirits. L. tinctura; tinctus, p. 
part, of tingo, to dye. 

TINGE, v. To impregnate or affect with some extrinsic 
colour or quality. L. tingo, to dye. 

TINT. s. A dye; a colour. F. teinte: L. tinctus, p. part, 
of tingo, to dye. 

TITLE, s. A general head, comprising particulars; an 
appellation of honour ; a name 5 a claim of right. L. 
titulus. 

TITULAR, adj. Nominal ; having or conferring only 
the title. F. titulaire.—SeG TITLE. 

TOAST, s. Bread, scorched before afire, and generally 
eaten with butter, but sometimes sopped or immersed 
in a liquor for drinking; a celebrated woman, whose 
health is often drank; any person or sentiment ex- 
pressed before drinking. L. tostus, p. part, of torreo s 
to roast, or scorch. 

TOGA VIRILIS. "The manly robe;" the dress as- 
sumed by the Roman youth, on reaching a certain pe- 
riod of life. L. toga, a gown, or robe, and virilis, (from 
~vir,) manly. 

TOMB. s. A sepulchral monument, or grave. F. tombe: 
L. tumulus, a little hill ; from tumeo, to swell. 

TOMETICA. s. Medicines for opening the pores, and 
dispersing viscous humours. G. temno, to cut. 

TONSOR. s. A barber. L. tonsor: tonsus, p. part, of 
tondeo, to clip. 

TONSURE, s. The act of clipping or shaving the 
hair; the part shaven. F. tonsure; L. tonsura: tonsus, 
p. part, of tondeo, to clip. 

TOPARCH. s. The chief man of a place; a lord or 
governor of a small country. G. to/ios, a place, and 
arch os, a chief. 

TOPIC, s. Subject of discourse; a general head, to 



TOP— TOU 

which other things are referred ; an external remedy;, 
applied to some particular part. F. tofiique; G. to/ws, 
a place. 

TOPICAL* adj. Relating to some general head; local; 
confined to some particular place; applied, as a re- 
medy, to some particular part. — See TOPIC. 

TOPOGRAPHY. *. Description of particular places. 
F. tofiografihie : G. tofios, a place, and graftho, to 
write. 

TORNADO, s. A whirlwind : a hurricane. Spanish ; 
from the L. tornatus, p. part, of torno, to turn as a 
wheel. G. tornb-o. 

TORPEDO, s. A fish, which, when living, is said to 
communicate numbness by an electric shock; a sub^ 
marine engine, invented by Robert Fulton of Penn- 
sylvania, for destroying an enemy's ships. L. torfiedo: 
torfieo, to be numbed. 

TORPID, adj. Benumbed; motionless; inactive. L. 
torfiidus.—See TORPOR. 

TORPOR, s. Numbness ; inability to move; dulness of 
sensation. L. 

TORREFACTION. s. Act of roasting, or drying by 
the fire. F. torrefaction: L. torrefactus, p. part, of 
torrefacio : comp. of torreo, to roast, and facio, to 
make. 

TORRID, adj. Parched; scorching. L. torridus; from 
torreo, to roast. 

TORTUOUS, adj. Twisted; winding. L. tortuosus: 
tortus, p. part, of torqueo, to writhe. 

TORTURE, s. Infliction of pain; pain, by which guilt 
is punished, or confession extorted; extreme pain. L. 
tortura: torturus, (future part, of torqueo,) about to 
writhe. 

TOTAL, adj. Whole; complete; full. L. totalis; tot, so 
many, just so much. 

TOUPET. s. A little tuft of hair. F. from toujiier, to 
whirl about. 

TOUR. s. A journey, comprehending many places, and 
requiring various turnings. F. from tourner, to turn, 
or wind around: L. torno. 

TOURNAMENT, s. Tilt; joust; mock encounter. F. 



TOU— TRA 

tournoyement; tournoyer, tourner, to whirl about. L. 
torno. 

TOURNIQUET, s. A surgical instrument, used in 
amputation, Sec. capable of being straitened or re- 
laxed by turning a handle. F. from tourner, to turn. 

TRACE, s. Mark left by any thing passing; appear- 
ance of what has been; harness by which a beast 
draws a carriage, &c. (verb, — to follow by the trace 
or remaining mark; to delineate, Sec.) F. trace. — See 
TRACK. 

TRACK, s. Trace; mark impressed on a road by any 
thing drawn over it; impression; beaten path. L. 
tractus; from the p. part, of traho, to draw. 

TRACT, s. A region, the boundaries of which are sup- 
posed to be traced out, or defined ; a treatise ; a small 
book. L. tractus: from a part, of traho, to draw. 

TRACTABLE, adj. Manageable; docile; compliant. 
L. tractabilis: tractus, p. part, of traho, to draw. 

TRACTILE, adj. Capable of being drawn out; ductile. 
—See TRACTABLE. 

TRADE, s. Traffic ; mutual delivery or exchange of 
merchandise; species of traffic. L. trado, to deliver. 

TRADITION, s. Delivery or oral communication of 
occurrences, from one age to another ; an occur- 
rence thus communicated. L. traditio : from trado, 
to deliver. 

TRADUCE, v. To censure, or calumniate. L. traduco: 
trans, across, and duco, to lead. 

TRADUCIBLE. adj. Deliverable; derivable. L. tra- 
duco: trans, across, or from one place to another, and 
duco, to lead. 

TRAFFIC, s. To trade. Italian, traffico : L. trans, 
across, or from one place to another, and/aczo, to make, 
or do. 

TRAGEDY, s. A dramatic representation of a serious 
and affecting kind ; a mournful event ; a dreadful ca- 
tastrophe. L. tragcedia; G. tragodia; from tragos, a 
male-goat, and ode, a song. Tragedy, which has at- 
tained so high dignity, was, at first, only a trial of iam- 
bics between two peasants, and a goat was the prize : 
thus, Horace calls it, vile certamen ob hircum,—*" a 
mean contest for a he-goat." 



TRA— .TRA 

TRAGIC, or TRAGICAL, adj. Relating to tragedy; 
mournful ; calamitous ; dreadful. L. tragicus. — See 
TRAGEDY. 

TRAIN, -v. To educate; to teach; to exercise. F. train- 
er; L. trahendus, p. future part, of traho, to draw. 

TRAIN, s. That which is designed to be drawn after 
any thing, — as, the tail of a bird, the tail of a gown, 
or cannon accompanying an army ; a connected se- 
ries, in which one thing is followed by another ; pro- 
cess ; method ; retinue ; a trail or line of powder, 
reaching to a mine, &c. F. train: L. trahendus, (to 
be drawn,) p. future part, of traho, to draw. 

TRAIT, s. Sketch; moral picture ; moral feature; ac- 
tion, or striking occurrence in human life, (generally 
pronounced tray,) F. trait, (formerly traict:) L. trac- 
tus; from the p. part, o£ traho, to draw. 

TRAITOR, s. One who delivers, to an enemy, that 
with which he has been entrusted ; one who, being 
trustedy betrays. F. traitre; L. traditor: trado, to de- 
liver, or yield. 

TRAJECT. s. A ferry; a means of passing across a 
river. L. trajectus; from the p. part, of trajicio; trans, 
across, andjacio, to throw. 

TRAJECT. -o. To throw across; to cast. — See the 
substantive. 

TRAMMEL, s. A net; a kind of shackles, in which 
horses are taught to pace ; a human snare ; an imped- 
iment or obstruction. F. tramail; L. frames, a cross 
way: tramissus, p. part, of tramitto, (for transmitto:') 
trans, across, and mitto, to send. 

TRANCE.— See TRANSE. 

TRANSACT, -v. To negotiate; to manage; to perform; 
to do. L. transactum, sup. of transigo: comp. of 
trans, across, or from one place to another, and ago, 
to do. 

TRANSCEND. *v. To surpass; to exceed, or excel; 
to surmount. L. transcendo: trans, beyond, and scan- 
do, to climb. 

TRANSCRIBE, v. To copy in writing. L. transcribo: 
trans, across, or from one place to another, and scribo, 
to write. 






TRA— TRA 

TRANSCRIPT, s. A copy. L. transcriptase p. part, 
of transcribo.— See TRANSCRIBE. 

TRANSE. s. State of apparent death ; sleep, unusually 
prolonged. F. trans: L. transitus, p. part, of transeo: 
trans, beyond, and eo, to go. 

TRANSFER, v. To convey; to remove. L. transfero; 
trans, across, and fero, to carry. 

TRANSFIGURATION, s. Change of form. L. trans- 
JLguratio; from transjiguro ; trans, across, or from 
one to another, zxi&Jiguro, to shape. — See FIGURE. 

TRANSFIX, v. To pierce through. L. transjixum, 
sup. of transjigo: trans, across, and Jigo, to stick or 
fasten. 

TRANSFORM, v. To metamorphose; to change the 
shape. L. transformo: trans, across, or from one to 
another, and forma, shape. 

TRANSFUSE, -v. To pour out of one into another; to 
spread. L. transfusum, sup. of transfundo : trans, 
across, or beyond, and /undo, to pour. 

TRANSGRESS, v. To pass beyond; to violate; to of- 
fend, by violating a law. L. transgressum, sup. of 
transgredior: trans, beyond, and gradior, to walk : 
gradus, a step. 

TRANSIENT, adj. Soon past ; soon passing; moment- 
ary. L. transiens, part, of transeo: trans, across, and 
eo, to go. 

TRANSIT, s. Passage ; the passage of any planet over 
the sun, moon, or stars. L. transitus. — See TRANSI- 
TION. 

TRANSITION, s. Removal ; passage from one state 
or thing to another ; change. L. transitio : transitus, 
part, of transeo: trans, across, and eo, to go. 

TRANSITIVE, adj. Having the power of passing; (in 
grammar,) a verb transitive is that which signifies an 
action, conceived as having an effect upon some ob- 
ject. L. transitivus.— See TRANSITION. 

TRANSITORY, adj. Continuing only a short time; 
speedily vanishing. L. transitorius.~—SeG TRANSI- 
TION. 

TRANSLATE, v. To remove; to convey; to change 
into another language. L. translatum, sup. of trans- 
P7] 



TRA— TRA 

fero: traits, across, or from one to another, and fere, 
to carry. 
TRANSLOCATION. *. Change of place. L. trans, 
across, or from one to another, and locus, a place. 

TRANSLUCENT, or TRANSLUCID. adj. Transpa- 
rent; clear; affording a passage to the light through 
its pores. L. translucens, part, of transluceo, to shine 
through: comp. of trans, across, and luceo, to shine. 
Translucid is derived from translucidus. 

TRANSMARINE, adj. Situated on the other side of 
the sea; found beyond sea. L. trans mar inus ; trans, 
across or beyond, and mare, the sea. 

TRANSMIGRATION, s. Passage from one place or 
state into another. L. transmigrate, p. part, of trans- 
migro; from trans, across, meaning from one to an- 
other, and migro, to remove. 

TRANSMISSION, s. Act of transmitting. L. trans- 
missio : trans?nissus, p. part, of transmitto. — See 
TRANSMIT. 

TRANSMIT, v. To send from one person or place to 
another. L. transmitto : trans, across, and mitto, to 
send. 

TRANSMUTE, v. To change from one nature to an- 
other. L. transmuto: from trans, across, meaning 
from one to another, and muto, to change. 

TRANSPARENT, adj. Allowing the light to pass 
through its pores; clear; pellucid; not opaque. F. 
transparent: L. trans, across, and apparens, part, of 
afifiareo, to appear. 

TRANSPIERCE, -v. To pierce through; to transfix. 
L. trans, across, and pierce. 

TRANSPIRE, v. To perspire ; to escape from secrecy 
to publicity. L. transfiiro: trans, across or beyond, 
and spiro, to breathe. 

TRANSPLANT, "v. To remove, and plant in another 
place; to remove and settle. L. trans, across, or be- 
yond, and plant. 

TRANSPORT, v. To carry from one place to an- 
other ; to hurry by violence of passion ; to put into 
extasy. L. transport o: trans, across, or beyond, and 
porta, to carry. 



TRA— TRE 

TRANSPORT, s. Conveyance ; a vessel in which sol- 
diers or munitions of war are conveyed ; extasy. — See 
the verb. 

TRANSPOSE, v. To alter, interchangeably, the posi- 
tion of things or words. F. transfioser : L. trans- 
fiositum, sup. of transpono: trans, across, and /zone, 
to place. 

TRANSUBSTANTIATION. *. A miraculous opera- 
tion, believed in the Church of Rome, by which the 
bread and wine of the eucharist are supposed to be 
changed into the real body and blood of Christ. F. 
transubstantiation; L. trans, across, or from one to 
another, and substantia, substance. 

TRANSUDE, v. To pass through in sweat, or vapour. 
L. trans, across or beyond, and sudo, to sweat. 

TRANSVERSE, adj. In a direction across. L. trans- 
versus, p. part, of transverto: trans, across, and verto 9 
to turn. 

TRAVAIL, v. To labour ; to toil ; to harass ; to be in 
labour; to suffer the pains of childbirth. F. travailler, 
to trouble. 

TRAVEL, v. To make a journey; to pass; to move. 
This verb is generally supposed to be the same as 
travail; though it is now differently spelled, when 
expressing the toil of a journey, &c. 

TRAVERSE, adj. Lying across; — s. that which lies 
across; a thwarting obstacle, &c. F. traverse. — See 
TRANSVERSE. 

TRAVERSE, v. To cross; to thwart; to oppose, or 
cross by an objection; to travel over. F. traverser.—* 
See TRANSVERSE. 

TRAVESTY, s. A burlesque imitation. F. travesti, 
part, of travestir, to disguise. L. trans, across, mean- 
ing contrariety or opposition, and vestis, a garment. 

TREACHERY, s. Perfidy; breach of faith. F. triche- 
rie ; from tricher, to cheat. L. tricor, to trifle, or 
baffle. 

TREASON, s. An offence committed against the safety 
of a people, or of a sovereign or state. F. trahison; 
from trahissant, part, of trahir, to betray. L. traho, to 
draw, or entice. 

TREASURY. *. A place in which money is deposited. 



TRE— TRI 

F. iresoreriej L. thesaurus; G. thesauros: comp. of 

thesis, a place, and auros, riches. 
TREAT, v. To negotiate; to discourse on; to use in 

any manner, well or ill ; to conduct ; to manage ; to 

entertain gratuitously. F. traiter; L. tractoj from trac- 

tum, sup. of traho, to draw, or stretch out, lead, al- 
lure, or contract. 
TREATISE, s. Written discourse; tract. See 

TREAT. 
TREATY, s. Negotiation; compact.— See TREAT. 
TREBLE, adj. Threefold; (in music,) of a sharp sound. 

F. trifile.—See TRIPLE. 
TREFOIL, s. A species of clover, or three-leaved 

grass. L. trefolium: tres, three, and folium, a leaf. 
TREMBLE, v. To shake as with fear or cold; to 

quake; to quaver; to shudder; to totter. F. trembler; 

L. tremo, to shake. 
TREMENDOUS, adj. Dreadful; astonishingly terrible. 

L. tremendus: from tremo, to shake. 
TREMOR, or TREMOUR. s. State of trembling; 

quivering or vibratory motion. L. tremor: tremo, to 

shake. 
TREMULOUS, adj. Trembling; fearful; quivering; 

vibratory. L. tremulus. — See TREMOR. 
TRENCH. *. A pit or ditch. F. tranche: trancher, to 

cut : L. trunco, to chop off. 
TRENCHANT, adj. Cutting; sharp. F. tranchant, 

part, of trancher; L. trunco, to chop off. 
TRENCHER, s. A wooden plate, on which meat is 

cut at table. F. trenchoir; trencher, to cut: L. trunco, 

to cut into pieces. 
TREPAN, s. An instrument used for cutting circular 

pieces out of the skull. F. trefian: G. trefio, to turn. 
TREPIDATION, s. State of trembling, or quivering; 

state of being terrified. L. trejiidatio : trejiido, to 

quake for fear, or be amazed : G. tre/w, to turn 

about. 
TRESPASS, v. To transgress; to offend; to enter un- 
lawfully into another's ground. F. trespasser: L. 

trans, across, and fiassus, a step. 
TREY. s. A three, of cards, dice, Sec. L. tres, three. 
TRIAD, s. Three united, L. trias: tres, three. 



TRL— TRI 

TRIANGLE, s. Having three angles. L. triangulum: 
tres, three, and angulum, an angle. 

TRIBE, s. A distinct body of people, as distinguished 
by nation, family, or fortune. In the reign of Romu- 
lus, after a treaty had been made with the invading 
Sabines, it was agreed, that Rome should be inhabited 
by Romans and Sabines, in common; and that they 
should be divided into three sections, (tribus,) called 
Rhamnanses, Talienses, and Lucrenses. The word 
tribe is, therefore, derived from an inflexion of the 
L. adj. tres, three. 

TRIBULATION, s. Persecution; distress; vexation, 
F. tribulation: L. tribute, to thresh. 

TRIBUNAL, s. The seat of a judge; a court of justice. 
L. tribunal.— See TRIBUNE. 

TRIBUNE, s. Originally, the chief officer of a Roman 
tribe ; afterwards, an officer of Rome, chosen by the 
people, to guard their liberties ; or the commander of 
a cohort. L. tribunus. — See TRIBE. 

TRIBUTARY, adj. Subject to pay tribute; relating 
to tribute; paid in tribute; subordinate. L. tributa- 
rms.— See TRIBUTE. 

TRIBUTE, s. Payment made by a subjected people to 
their victors; acknowledgment. L. tributum; tribuo^ 
to give, or grant. 

TRICHOPHYLLON. 5. A plant with leaves resem- 
bling hair. G. trichion, hair, fihullon, a leaf. 

TRICOLOURED. adj. Having three colours. L. tres % 
three, and coloured. 

TRIDENT, s. A three-pronged sceptre of Neptune. 
L. tridens: tres, three, and dens, a tooth. 

TRIDUAN. adj. Lasting three days; happening every 
third day. L. triduum; tres, three, and dies, a day. 

TRIENNIAL, adj. Lasting three years ; happening 
once in three years. L. triennis; tres, three, and a?i~ 
nus, a year. 

TRIFOLIATE, adj. Having three leaves. L. tres, 
three, and folium, a leaf. 

TRIFORM, adj. Having a triple shape. L. triformis; 
tres, three, and forma, shape. 

TRIGONAL, adj. Triangular; three-cornered. G. trU 
[27*] 



TRI— TRI 

gono?i 9 a triangle: treis, three, and gonia, a corner, or 

angle. 
TRIGONOMETRY, s. The art of measuring triangles. 

G. trigonos, a triangle, and metreo, to measure. 
TRILATERAL, adj. Having three sides. F. trilate- 
ral; L. tria, (neuter of tres,) three, and latera, pi. of 

latus, a side. 
TRIMETER, adj. Consisting of three poetical mea- 
sures. G. trimetros; treis, three, and metron, a mea- 
sure. 
TRINAL. adj. Threefold. L. trinus: tres, three, and 

unus, one. 
TRINITY. 8. Three in one. L. trinitas : tres, three, 

and unitas, unity : units, one. 
TRIPARTITE, adj. Divided into three parts ; having 

three correspondent copies ; relating to three parties. 

L. trifiartitus; comp. of tres, three, and fiartitus, p. 

part, offiartio, to divide. 
TRIPEDAL. adj. Having three feet. L. trifiedis, gen. 

of trip.es; tres, three, and/2es, a foot. 
TRIPETALOUS. adj. Having a flower consisting of 

three leaves. G. treis, three, and fietalon* a leaf. 
TRIPHTHONG. *. The imaginary coalition of three 

vowels to form one sound. G. treis, three, and fihthon- 

gos, a sound. 
TRIPLE, adj. Threefold; treble. F. triple; L. triplex; 

comp. of tres, three, and plico, to fold. 
TRIPLET, s. Three of a kind; three verses rhyming 

together.— See TRIPLE. 
TRIPLICATE, s. Made thrice as much ; a second 

copy, or third of three of the same kind. L. triplica- 

tus.—See TRIPLE. 
TRIPOD, s. A seat with three feet. G. tripous, (gen. 

tripodos;) from treis, three, and pous, a foot. 
TRIPTOTE. s. A noun used only in three cases. L. 

trifitoton; G. treis, three, and ptosis, a case. 
TRIREME, s. A galley with three benches of oars. 

L. triremis; from tres, three, and remus, an oar. 
TRISECT, v. To cut into three parts. L. tres, three, 

and seco, to cut, 
TRISYLLABLE, s. A word consisting of three sylla- 
bles. L« trisyllaba: tres, three, and syllaba, a syllable. 



TRI— TRU 

TRIT^US. s. The tertian ague. G. tritaios, tertian: 
treis, three. 

TRITE, adj. Worn out; common. L. tritus, p. part, of 
tero, to rub. 

TRITURATE, v. To levigate or reduce to powder by 
friction. L. trituro; from triturus, (future part, of 
tero,) about to rub. 

TRIUMPH, s. Pomp with which a victory is celebrated.; 
state of being victorious; conquest. L. triumfihus ; G. 
thriambos; thrion, a leaf, (meaning, of laurel,) and 
embaino, to go in state. 

TRIUMVIRATE, or TRIUMVIRI. ». Coalition of 
three men, as of Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus. L. tri~ 
umviratus, or triumviri; tres, three, and viri, (pi. of 
f ir>) men. 

TRIUNE, adj. Three and one, at the same time. L. tres, 
three, and unus, one. 

TRIVIAL, adj. Vulgar; trifling; unimportant; incon- 
siderable. L. trivialis; trivium, a place where three 
ways meet, (therefore,) a place of common resort; 
tres, three, and via, a way. 

TROCHOLICS. s. The art of wheel-work. G. trochos, 
a wheel. 

TROPE, s. Figurative change of a word from its origi- 
nal signification. G. trofios; from tre/io, to turn. 

TROPHY, s. Something shown or treasured up in proof 
of victory. L. trofiaum, or trofihoeum ; G. tro/iaion; 
from trefio, to turn; alluding to the flight or turning 
of the enemy. 

TROPIC, s. The line at which the sun appears to re- 
turn in his declination to the north or to the south. L. 
tropicus. G. trefio, to turn. 

TROPICAL, adj. In grammar, figurative: frcm Trofie; 
— In astronomy, within or belonging to the tropics.—. 
See TROPIC. 

TROVER. *. In the common law, an action which one 
person has against another who has found any of the 
plaintiff's goods, and refuses to deliver them. F. trou- 
■ver, to find. 

TRUCK, s. A kind of carriage, with low wheels, for 
carrying heavy weights. G. trochos, a wheel. 



TRU— TUR 

TRUCKLE, s. A small wheel; the moveable part of a 
pulley. G. trochos, a wheel. 

TRUNCATE, v. To lop; to cut short; to maim. L, 
trunco.— See TRUNK. 

TRUNCHEON, s. A short staff ; a cudgel ; a staff of 
command. F. trongon; L. truncus, cut short. 

TRUNK, s. The body of a tree, exclusive of the 
branches ; the body of an animal, without the limbs ; 
a hollow piece of timber for conveying fluids ; a spe- 
cies of chest ; the proboscis of an elephant. L. trun- 
cus, cut short. 

TUBERCLE, s. A small swelling or excrescence ; 
a pimple. L. tuberculum; dim. of tuber, a puff, grow- 
ing in the ground like a mushroom. 

TUBEROUS, adj. Having prominent knots or excres- 
cences. L. tuberosus; tuber, a puff growing in the 
ground like a mushroom. 

TUBULAR, adj. Resembling a pipe; consisting of a 
pipe or pipes; fistular. L. tubus, a conduit-pipe. 

TUBULE, s. A small pipe, or fistular body. L. tubulus, 
dim. of tubus, a conduit -pipe. 

TUITION, s. Guardianship ; care exercised by a guar- 
dian or tutor ; general instruction. L. tuitio : tutus t 
p. part, of tueor, to behold, or defend. 

TUMEFACTION, s. Swelling. L. tumef actio ; from 
tumefactus, p. part, of tumef acioj comp. of tumeo, to 
swell, and facio, to make. 

TUMID, adj. Swelled; protuberant; pompous; falsely 
sublime. L. tumidus; tumeo, to swell. 

TUMOUR, s. A morbid swelling. L. tumor; tumeo, to 
swell. 

TUMULOSE. adj. Full of little hills. L. tumulosus; 
tumulus, a hillock: from tumeo, to swell. 

TUMULT, s. Promiscuous commotion in a multitude ; 
popular disturbance. L. tumullus ; from tumeo, to 
swell. 

TUNIC, s. Part of the Roman dress ; (in anatomy,) 
a natural covering or integument. L. tunica. 

TUNICLE. s. Natural cover ; integument. L. tunicula, 
a little coat.— See TUNIC. 

TURBID, adj. Muddy. L. turbidusj turbo, a whirling 
round. 



TUR— TYP 

TURBULENCE, s. Tumult; confusion; disorder. L. 

turbulentia; turba, a crowd: turbo, a whirling round. 
TURGESCENCE. s. The act of swelling; the state of 

being swelled; vain magnificence. L. turgescens, part. 

of turgesco.-— See TURGID. 
TURGID, adj. Swelling; bloated; pompous; vainly 

magnificent. L. turgidus; from turgeo, to swell. 
TURPITUDE. *. Vileness; badness. L. turfiitudo ; 

turfiis, filthy. 
TURRET, s. A small eminence, or little tower, raised 

above the rest of a building. L. turris, a tower. 
TUTELAGE, s. Guardianship; state of being under a 

tutor or guardian. F. tutelage; L. tutela. — See TUI- 
TION. 
TUTELAR, or TUTELARY, adj. Protecting; guard- 
ing. F. tutelaire.—See TUTELAGE. 
TUTOR, s. One who has the care of another's learn- 
ing and morals; a teacher. L. tutor; from tutus, p. 

part, of tueor, to behold or defend. 
TYLUS. s. Hardness of the skin, in any part, occasioned 

by severe labour. G. tulos, hardness. 
TYMPANUM, s. A part of the ear, which is supposed 

to be the immediate organ of hearing; so called, from 

its resemblance to a drum. L. tympanum; G. tumfia- 

non, a drum. 
TYMPANY, s. A kind of obstructed flatulence which 

swells the body like a drum. L. tympanum; G. tum- 

fianon, a drum. 
TYPE. s. A mark ; an emblem ; prefiguration ; a printing 

letter. L. ty/ius; G. tufios, a mark; from tufrto, to 

beat. 
TYPHUS, s. A species of continued fever. G tufthos, 

stupor, senselessness. 
TYPICAL, adj. Emblematical; figurative. L. tyfiicus. 

—See TYPE. 
TYPIFY. ~u. To figure ; to show by an emblem. L. 

ty fias, a type, and facio, to make.— See TYPE. 
TYPOGRAPHY, s. Emblematical or hieroglyphical 

representation; art of printing with types. L. ty/io- 

grafihia; G. tufios, a type, and gra/iho, to write. — 

See TYPE. 



TYR—UMB 

TYRANNICIDE, s. The act of killing a tyrant; one 
who has killed a tyrant. L. tyrannus, a tyrant, and 
ccedo, to kill. 

TYRANT, s. An imperious monarch; a cruel and se- 
vere master; an oppressor. L. tyrannus; G. turannos, 
a king or absolute ruler ; in which sense, the ancients 
applied the term, indiscriminately, without regard t© 
his moral conduct : tevro, to subject. 

TYRO. s. One not yet master of his art; a beginner. 
L. tyro, or tiro; G. teiro, to bring under subjection. 



UBIQUITY, s. Omnipresence; existence at the same 
time in all places. L. ubique, in every place. 

ULCER, s. A hollow sore, from which matter issues. 
F. ulcere; L. ulcus; G. ulx, a furrow. 

ULIGINOUS, adj. Oozy; slimy; muddy. L. uligino- 
sus; uligo, the natural moisture of the earth. 

ULTERIOR, adj. Further. L. compar. of ultra, be- 
yond: ultra, ulterior, ultimus. 

ULTIMATE, adj. Intended as the last resort ; last in 
a train of consequences. L. ultimus, the last; superl. 
of ultra, beyond. 

UL TIMA TUM. s. Ultimate or last offer or decision. — 
See ULTIMATE. 

ULTIMO, abbreviated ult°. or ult. The last [month.] 
L. abl. of ultimus, last. 

ULTRAMARINE, adj. Situated beyond the sea; for- 
eign. L, ultra, beyond, and mare, the sea. 

ULTRAMONTANE, adj. Situated beyond the moun- 
tains. L. ultra, beyond, and mons, (gen. montis,) a 
mountain. 

ULTRAMUNDANE, adj. Beyond the world. L, ultra, 
beyond, and mundus, the world. 

UMBRAGE, s. Shade; shadow:— resentment; offence; 

suspicion of injury The last three uses of this word 

umbrage, may be explained, by supposing, that the 
person giving an offence is thrown, as it is said, in the 



UMB—UNI 

shade^ or out of the favourable aspect of the other's 
countenance. F. ombrage ; L. umbra, a shadow, or 
shade. 

UMBRAGEOUS, adj. Shady; yielding shade. F. om- 
bragieux; L. umbra, a shadow, or shade. 

UMBRELLA. 5. A portable skreen, used as a shelter 
from the sun, or from the rain. L. umbra, a shade. 

UN. A Saxon privative or negative particle, having 
the same effect as the Latin in, when this preposition 
is used to mark privation or negation: thus, ^con- 
nected, means not connected, and incapable, not ca- 
pable. 

UNANIMOUS, adj. Of one mind; without any dis- 
cordance. L. unanimus, or unanimis; comp. of unus, 
one, and animus, the mind. 

UNCTION, s. Act of anointing; rite of anointing; 
ointment. L. unctio; unctus, p. part, of ungo, or m?z- 
guo, to smear. 

UNCTUOUS, adj. Fat; clammy; oily. L. unctus. — See 
UNCTION. 

UNDULARY. adj. Moving as waves; moving with in- 
termissions. — See UNDULATE. 

UNDULATE, v. To move as waves; to move with in- 
termissions. L. undulo; unda, a wave. 

UNGUENT. s. Ointment. L. unguentum; from unguo, 
or ungo, to smear. 

UNICORN, s. A beast that has naturally only one 
horn. L. unicornis; unus, one, and cornu, a horn. 

UNIFORM, adj. Similar to itself; preserving the same 
tenor; conforming to one rule; acting in the same 
manner; agreeing with each other. L. unus, one, and 
forma, shape. 

UNION, s. Junction, so as out of two or more to make 
one; concord. F. union; from the L. unus, one. 

UNIPAROUS. adj. Bringing forth one at a birth. L. 
unus, one, and fiario, to bring forth. 

UNIQUE, adj. When we say a thing is unique, we 
mean that it is the only thing of its kind. F. unique; 
L. unicus; unus, one. 

UNIT. s. One; the least number, or the root of num- 
bers.— See UNITY. 



UNI— USH 

UNITARIAN. *. One who does not believe in the 
doctrine of the trinity. L. unus, one. 

UNITE, v. To join two or more, so as to make one ; 
to act in concert; to be cemented, &c— See UNITY. 

UNITY. s. The state of being one; concord; conjunc- 
tion ; uniformity ; species of dramatic propriety. L. 
unitas; unus, one. 

UNIVERSAL, adj. General; extending to all; total; 
whole; not particular. L. universalis; unus, one, and 
versus, p. part, of verto, to turn. 

UNIVERSE, s. The general system of things; the 
whole creation. — See UNIVERSAL. 

UNIVERSITY. s. A college, incorporated for the edu- 
cation of youth in all the liberal arts, sciences, &c. 
and empowered to confer degrees. A university gen- 
erally comprehends many colleges, as is exemplified 
in those of Oxford and Cambridge, in England. L. 
universitas. — See UNIVERSAL. 

UNIVOCAL. adj. Having one meaning; certain; re- 
gular. L. univocus: comp. of unus, one, and vox 9 
(gen. vocis,) a voice. 

URBANITY- s. Civility ; elegance ; politeness ; agreea- 
bleness. L. urbanitas, a city life, civility, courtesy : 
urbs, a city. 

URGE. v. To incite; to push; to drive; to press by mo- 
tives, or by argument ; to enforce ; to importune or 
solicit. L. urgeo, to press on. 

URGENT, adj. Inciting; pressing; importunate or so- 
licitous. L. urgens, part, of urgeo. — See URGE. 

URINAL, s. A vessel for holding urine. F. urinal; L. 
urina; G. our on, urine. 

URN. s. A water pot, the mouth of which is narrower 
than the body ; a vessel of similar form, in which the 
remains of burned bodies were deposited; an orna- 
ment of the same shape. L. urna, a water-pitcher. 

USAGE, s. Custom ; long continued practice; treat- 
ment. F. usage; L. usus. — See USE. 

USE. s. Application to any purpose ; proper designa- 
tion or instrumentality ; agency; help; benefit ; prac- 
tice, Sec. L. usus; from a part, of utor, to use. 

USHER, s. One whose business is to introduce stran- 
gers, or walk before persons of high rank; an under- 



UST— .VAC 

teacher, or one who introduces young scholars to 

higher learning. F. huissier; from /wis, a door. 
USTULATION. s. The roasting of ores, to separate 

the arsenic and sulphur from the metal. L. ustulatus, 

p. part, of ustulo, (from uro,~) to burn. 
USUFRUCT. s. Temporary use ; enjoyment of the 

profits, without power to alienate. L. usus, use, and 

fructus, fruit. 
USURP, v. To possess by force or intrusion; to seize 

or possess without right. L. usur/io, the frequentative 

form of utor, to use. 
USURY, s. Money paid for the use of money; interest; 

the practice of taking interest. But the term usury, 

is now used only to denote a higher rate of interest 

than is allowed by law, or the practice of charging it. 

F. usure; L. usura: from utor, to use. 
UTENSIL, s. An instrument for use. F. utensile: L. 

utor, to use. 
UTERINE, s. Relating or belonging to the womb. L. 

uterinus. — See UTERUS. 
UTERUS, s. The womb. L. 

UTILE DULCI. The useful witji the pleasant. L. 
UTILITY, s. Usefulness ; profit ; convenience. L. utl- 

litas: utor, to use. 
UTI POSSIDETIS. A diplomatic phrase, used when 

two or more states desire to make peace, on the terms 

that each shall retain the possessions which it then 

holds : opposed to status quo ante bellum. L. uti, as, 

possidetis, (from fiossideo,') you possess. 
UXORIOUS, adj. Submissively fond of a wife; infected 

with connubial dotage. L. uxorius: uxor, a wife. 



v. 

VACANT, adj. Empty; unoccupied; thoughtless; un« 
intelligent. L. vacans, part, of vaco, to be empty. 

VACATE, v. To make vacant, or void; to quit posses- 
sion oC. L. vaco, to be empty. 

VACATION, s. Recess from a place of business; in- 
termission of stated employments. L. vacatio: vaca- 
tus, p. part, of vaco, to be empty. 
[28] 



VAC— VAL 

VACCINE, adj. Vaccine inoculation (an important 
substitute fonthe variolus,) was perfected by Dr. Jen- 
ner of England, about the year 1800, and received its 
name from the infectious matter having been first ta- 
ken from the teats of cows. L. vacca, a cow. 

VACUITY. *. Emptiness ; space unfilled, or unoccu- 
pied; want of reality. L. vacuitas.— -See VACUUM. 

VACUUM, s. Space unoccupied by matter, or from 
which the atmospheric air has been exhausted. L. 
from vaco, to be empty. 

VAGABOND, adj. Wandering, without any settled 
habitation ; (always, now, considered in a reproachful 
sense.) F. vagabond; L. vagabundus: vagor, to wan- 
der. 

VAGARY. s. A freak; a capricious frolic. L. vagor, to 
wander. 

VAGRANT, adj. Wandering; unsettled; vagabond. L. 
vagor, to wander. 

VAGUE, adj. Unfixed; unsettled; undetermined; inde- 
finite. F. vague; L. vagus: vagor, to wander. 

VAIN. adj. Unreal; shadowy; showy; fond of admira- 
tion; useless; fruitless; ineffectual, &c. F. vain; L. 
vanus, empty. 

VALE. s. A valley; a hollow between hills. L. vallis: 
from vallo, to enclose. 

VALEDICTION. *. A farewell. L. vale, farewell, and 
dictio, a saying : dico, to speak. 

VALEDICTORY, adj. Bidding farewell.— See VALE- 
DICTION. 

VALETUDINARIAN. *. One who, through infirmity 
of body, is compelled to nurse himself, in order to 
restore his constitution. L. valetudo, health, or sick- 
ness. 

VALIANT, adj. Brave. F. vaillant; L. valeo 9 to be 
strong. 

VALID, adj. Efficacious ; convincing; conclusive. L. 
validus: from valeo, to be strong. 

VALLEY, s. A vale; a hollow between hills. L. vallis: 
vallo, to enclose. 

VALOUR. s. Bravery. L. valor: valeo, to be strong. 

VALUE, s. Price; worth; rate. F. value: valoir, to 
have worth : L. valeo, to be strong. 



VAN— VEG 

VAN. s. The front division of an army or fleet. F. avant, 
before. 

VANISH, v. To lose perceptible existence; to disap- 
pear; to pass away. L. inceptive, vanesco; from va- 
nus, empty. 

VANITY. s. Emptiness; fruitless endeavour; vain pur- 
suit; presumption; idle show; fondness of admiration. 
L. vanitas. — See VAIN. 

VANQUISH, v. To conquer. F. vaincre : L. vinco ; 
from vincio, to bind. 

VAPID, adj. Spiritless; having the spirit evaporated, 
L. vafiidus.—See VAPOUR. 

VAPOUR, s. Fluid in an aeriform state; steam. L. 
"vapor. 

VARIANCE, s. Disagreement ; discord ; dissension. — « 
See VARY. 

VARIEGATE, v. To diversify ; to stain with various 
colours. From vary, with the addition of the L. verb 
ago, to make. 

VARIETY, s. Change; difference; dissimilitude; devia- 
tion. L. varietas. — See VARY. 

VARIOUS, adj. Changeable; uncertain; different; sev- 
eral. L. varius. — See VARY. 

VARY. v. To change; to diversify; to be changeable; 
to deviate; to disagree. L. vario, to draw with, (or be 
of,) various colours : varus, a spot. 

VASCULAR, adj. Consisting of little vessels ; full of 
little vessels. L. vasculum, dim. of vas, a vessel. 

VASE. s. A domestic vessel, rather for show than use. 
F. vase; L. vas, a vessel (of any kind, for domestic 
use.) 

VASSAL, s. One who holds of a superior lord; a de- 
pendant ; one who acts by the will of another. F. vas- 
sal; L. vas, a pledge, or hostage. 

VAST. adj. Very large; very great; immensely spa- 
cious. L. vastus, waste, desolate, wide, huge, 8cc. 

VEDETTE, s. A mounted sentinel, who observes the 
movements of an enemy. F. vedette; from the L. vi- 
deo, to see. 

VEGETABLE, s. Any thing that grows as a plant. L 
vegetabilis — See VEGETATE. 

VEGETATE, v. To grow as plants ; to grow without 



" VEH— VEN 

sensation. L. vegeto: from vegeo, to be strong anci 

healthy, to stir or move up. 
VEHEMENT, adj. Violent; forcible; ardent. L. vehe- 

mens: veho, to carry. 
VEHICLE, v. That in which any thing is carried; that 

by means of which any thing is conveyed. L. vehicu- 

lum: ve/io, to carry. 
VEIL. s. A small curtain for concealing the face ; 

means of concealment; a disguise. L. velum; veto, 

to cover. 
VELOCIPEDE, s. A small carriage, driven by the 

feet. L. velox, (gen. velocis,) swift, and pes, (gen. 

fiediSf) a foot. 
VELOCITY, s. Speed; swiftness. L, velocitas: velox, 

swift. 
VENAL, adj. Mercenary; prostitute. F. venal: L. ve- 

nalis: from veneo, to be sold. 
VENATIC. adj. Used in hunting. L. venaticus: vena- 

tus, part, of venor, to seek after, or hunt. 
VEND. v. To sell. L. vendo, to sell. 
VENDIBLE, adj. Saleable. L. vendibilis: vendo, to sell. 
VENDITIONI EXPONAS. The name of a judicial 

writ, empowering a sheriff to sell certain property 

therein described. L. exponas, you may expose, ven- 
ditioni to sale: ex/iono, and venditio. 
VENDUE, s. Public sale, generally by auction. F. from 

vendre; L. vendo, to sell. 
VENENATE. v. To poison; to infect with poison. L. 

veneno: G. fiheno, to kill. 
VENERABLE, adj. To be regarded with awe; to be 

treated with reverence ; deserving the highest degree 

of respect. L. venerabilis. — See VENERATE. 
VENERATE, v. To regard with awe; to reverence. L. 

veneror, to worship. 
VENIAL, adj. Pardonable ; excusable; permitted. F. 

veniel: L. venia, leave. 
VENIRE FACIAS. The name of a judicial writ, by 

which a sheriff is empowered to summon a jury. L. 

facias, you may cause, [them,] venire, to come : ve- 

nio, and facio. 
VENISON, s. The flesh of deer. F. venaison: L. tt- 

nor y to hunt. - 



VEN—VER 

VENOM, s. Poison. L. venerium.— See VENENATE. 

VENT. s. An aperture through which any thing- comes 
out; emission; passage, Sec. h.ventum, sup. oivenio, 
to come. 

VENT. s. Sale. F. vente; L. venditio: venditus, part, 
of vendo, to sell. 

VENTIDUCT, s. A passage for the wind. L. ventus, 
wind, and ductus, a guidance : from the p. part, of 
duco, to lead. 

VENTILATE, v. To cool or purify by the admission 
of wind. L. ventilo: from ventus, wind. 

VENTRICLE, s. The stomach; any small cavity in an 
animal body, particularly of the heart, lu.ventriculus, 
dim. of venter, the belly. 

VENTRILOQUIST, s. One who pretends that he 
speaks from his belly, but who has acquired the art 
of articulating his words without using the proper 
organs of speech ; and can so modify his tones, as to 
induce a belief that the sound issues from any place 
to which he directs the attention of his auditors. L. 
venter, the belly, and loquor, to speak. 

VENTURE, s. A hazard ; an undertaking of chance 
and danger; the thing put to hazard, Sec. F. avan- 
ture : L. venturus, (future part, of venio,) about to 
come. 

VERACITY, s. Moral truth; honesty of report. L, 
veracis, gen. of verax, true of speech. 

VERB. s. A part of speech, denned as signifying " to 
be, to do, or to suffer." L. verbum, a word : thus, 
making the verb pre-eminent, as being th# radical 
from which is formed the greater portion of the 
other parts of speech. 

VERBAL, adj. Spoken; not written; oral; consisting 
of mere words ; referring to mere words, not to the 
matter or general style ; literal ; having word corres- 
ponding to word; derived from a verb. L. verbalis; 
verbum, a word See VERB. 

VERBATIM. Word for word. L. from verbum, a 
word. 

VERBATIM ET LITERATIM. Word for word, 
and letter for letter; without the smallest variation, 
[28*] 



VER— -VER 

L. adverbs, verbatim, word for word, and llteraiu,u 

letter for letter : verbum, a word, and litera, a letter. 
yERBERATE. v. To beat; to strike. L. verbero; from 

verber, a whip. 
VERBOSE, adj. Exuberant in words; tedious by a mul- 
tiplicity of words. L. verbosus: verbum, a word. 
VERDANT, adj. Green. F. verdoyant (formerly, ver- 

doiant;) L. viridans; vireo, to flourish, or to be green : 

vires, pi. of vis, strength. 
VERDERER. s. An officer of a forest. F. verdier; L. 

viridarium, a green place enclosed for beasts and 

fowls : from viridis, green. 
VERDITER. s. Chalk made green. F. verd, green, 

and terre, earth. 
VERDICT, s. The determination of a jury declared to 

the judge; decision; judgment. L. verum, neuter of 

verus, true, and dictum, a saying. 
VERDURE, s. Green; green colour. F. verdure. — See 

VERDANT. 
VERGE, s. A rod, or something resembling it, carried 

as an emblem of authority ; the mace of a dean. F. 

verge; L. virga, a rod. 
VERGE, s. The brink ; the edge; the utmost border; 

L. vergo, to decline, or bend towards. 
VERGER, s. He that carries the verge or mace be- 
fore the dean.— See VERGE. 
VERIFY, v. To confirm ; to prove true. F. verifier; 

L. verus, real, or true, and facio, to make. 
VERILY, adv. Truly; certainly; with great confidence. 

—See VERY. 
VERISIMILITUDE, s. Probability; resemblance of 

truth. L,. verisimilitude); comp. oiveri, gen. of verum, 

truth, and similitudo, a likeness. 
VERITABLE, adj. True ; in accordance with fact. F. 

veritable.— See VERITY. 
VERITY, s. Truth. L. Veritas: verus, real. 
VERMICULAR, adj. Acting like a worm; continued 

from one part to another. L. vermiculus, dim. of ver- 
mis, a worm. 
VERMICULE. s. A little worm. L. vermiculus, dim. 

of vermis, a worm. 



VER—VER 

VERMIFORM, adj. Having the shape of a worm. L, 
■vermis, a worm, and for ma, shape. 

VERMIFUGE, s. A medicine for expelling or destroy- 
ing worms. L. vermis, a worm, and fugo, to drive 
away. 

VERMIN, s. Noxious animals ; used commonly in re- 
lation to small creatures of a disagreeable or destruc- 
tive nature. F. vermin: L. vermis, a worm, grub, &c. 

VERNACULAR, adj. Native; of one's own country. 
L. vernaculus; from verna, a bond-servant, or one 
born in the house. 

VERNAL, adj. Relating or pertaining to the spring of 
the year. L. vernus; ver, the spring. 

VERSATILE, adj. Changeable ; variable ; easily ap- 
plied to a new task. L. versatilis; verso, to turn often: 
verto, to turn. 

VERSE, s. Language restrained to harmonic sounds 
or a regular number of syllables ; a line of verse ; a 
portion of Scripture, contained in one numerical di- 
vision. This species of composition is generally called 
poetry; though, a poem is not always written in verse, 
nor is verse always poetry, — which denotes an exer- 
tion of genius, and a captivating display of originality. 
L. versus: from verto, to turn. — See PROSE. 

VERSED, adj. Skilled (in;) acquainted (with.) L. verso, 
to turn often, or consider : verto, to turn. 

VERSIFY, v. To make verses. F. versifier; L. versi- 
Jico: comp. of versus, a verse, and facio, to make. 

VERSION, s. Translation. L. versio; versus, p. part, 
of verto, to turn. 

VERSUS, fire/i. Against. L. 

VERTEBRAL, adj. Relating to the joints of the spine, 
L. vertebra, a turning joint in the body ; verto, to 
turn. 

VERTEX, s. The zenith, the point over head ; the top, 
L. vertex, the top of any thing: verto, to turn. 

VERTICAL, adj. Placed in the zenith; placed in a 
direction perpendicular to the horizon. L. verticis, 
gen. of vertex. — See VERTEX. 

VERTIGINOUS, adj. Turning round; rotary; giddy. 
L. vertiginosus; vertiginis, gen. of vertigo, turning 
round : from verto, to turn. 



VER—VIA 

VERTIGO, s. A giddiness, or sense of turning, in the 
head. L. from verto, to turn. 

VERY. adj. True; real ; same or precise: adv. emphati- 
cally ; in a high degree. Old F. veray, (modern, vrai,) 
true : L. verus, real. 

VESICATE, v. To blister. L. vesica, a bladder, or 
(figuratively,) a blister. 

VESICLE, s. A small cuticle, filled or inflated. L. ve- 
sicula, dim. of vesica, a bladder. 

VESICULAR, adj. In anatomy, hollow; full of small 
interstices. — See VESICLE. 

VESPERS, s. Evening service of the Roman church. 
L. vesper, the evening. 

VEST. v. To dress; to deck; to enrobe; to make pos- 
sessor of; to invest with; to place under the au- 
thority of. L. vestis, a garment. 

VESTAL, adj. Consecrated to Vesta ; having virgin 
purity. L. vestalis. — See the heathen mythology. 

VESTIGE, s. Mark left behind in passing ; trace. L. 
vestigium, a trace. 

VESTMENT, s. Garment ; part of dress. L. vesti- 
mentum; vestis, a garment. 

VESTRY, s. A room, belonging to a church, in which 
the sacerdotal garments, &c. are deposited ; a paro- 
chial assembly, usually convened in the vestry -room ; 
an assembly of the elders and pew-holders of any 
church. L. vestiarium, a wardrobe : vestis, a gar- 
ment. 

VESTURE, s. Garment; robe; dress. Old F. vesture: 
L. vestis, a garment. 

VETERAN, adj. Long practised in war; long experien- 
ced. L. veteranus: veteris, gen. of vetus, old. 

VETO. s. Refusal ; rejection ; invested power or privi- 
lege of rejecting or annulling. L. veto, I forbid. 

VIA. By the way of. L. abl. of via, a way. 

VIANDS, s. Food; meat dressed. F. viande, food. L. 
vivendo, gerund, of vivo, to live. 

VIATICUM, s. Provision for a journey; in the Roman 
church, the last rites used to prepare the passing soul 
for its departure ; pecuniary compensation to an evi- 
dence for having come to a court of justice. L. from 
via, a way, and itus, a going: eo, to go. 



VIB— VIG 

VIBRATE, v. To move backward and forward, or up- 
ward and downward, with a quick motion; to quiver. 
L. vibro, to shake. 

VICAR. *'. A substitute; a clergyman of the episcopal 
church, in degree below a rector. L. vicarius; vicis, 
stead, place. 

VICARIOUS, adj. Deputed ; delegated; acting in the 
place of another. L. vicarius. — See VICAR. 

VICE'. In the place of. L. abl. of vicis, stead, place. 

VICEADMIRAL. s. The second commander of a fleet; 
an admiral of the second rank. L. vice, in the place, 
(instead,) and admiral. 

VICEGERENT, s. A lieutenant ; one who possesses 
delegated power. L. vice, in the place, (instead,) and 
gerens, part, of gero, to bear. 

VICEROY, s. One who governs in place of a king, 
with regal authority. L. vice, in the place, (instead,) 
and F. roi, a king. 

VICINAGE, s. A neighbourhood; places adjoining. 
L. vicinia; from vicus, a street, or row of houses near 
each other. 

VICINITY, s. Nearness ; state of being near ; neigh- 
bourhood. L. vicinitas.—See VICINAGE. 

VICISSITUDE. s. Change ; revolution. L. vicissitudo: 
comp. of vicis, change, stead, and ito, to go fre- 
quently : itum, sup. of eo, to go. 

VICTIM, s. A sacrifice ; something slain for a sacri- 
fice ; something destroyed. L. victima, a beast killed 
in sacrifice for victory : victus, p. part, of vinco, to 
overcome. 

VICTOR, s. Conqueror. L. from vinco, to conquer. 

VIDE', v. See. L. imper. of video, to see. 

VIDELICET, or its contraction, VIZ. That is; to wit; 
namely; comp. of vide re, infinitive of video, to see, 
and licet, it is lawful — you may if you will, Sec. 

VI ET ARMIS. By force and arms; by a force not 
sanctioned by law. L. abl. of vis, and arma, 

VIGIL, s. Watch; devotion performed in the custom- 
ary hours of rest; a fast observed before a holiday, &c. 
L. vigil, a watchman. 

VIGILANT, adj. Watchful ; circumspect. L. vigilans, 
part, oivigilo: vigil, a watchman. 



VIG— VIN 

VIGOROUS, adj. Strong ; lively ; energetic ; full of 
strength and life.— See VIGOUR. 

VIGOUR, s. Strength ; health ; energy. L. vigor: from 
vigeo, to flourish ; vi, (abl. of vis,) with strength, and 
agendo, abl. gerund of ago, to do, or move. 

VILE. adj. Worthless; mean; sordid; base; wicked. L. 
vilis, of no value. 

VILIFY, v. To debase ; to degrade ; to defame. L. vi- 
lis, of no value, and facto, to make. 

VILLAGE, s. A small collection of houses in the coun- 
try, less than a town. F. village: L. villa, a country- 
house. 

VILLAIN. $. This word, according to the present 
popular meaning, has almost entirely changed its sig- 
nification. It formerly denoted one who held lands 
on very dependent conditions, under the feudal sys- 
tem ; one who was bound to do any sort of service 
for his superior lord. It now signifies a base, wicked 
rogue. F.vilain: vil, mean, contemptible: L. vilis. 
Consult Blackstone's Commentaries. 

VILLANAGE. *. The state of that species of tenants 
formerly called villains, or the nature of their tenure. 
—See VILLAIN. 

VILLOUS, adj. Shaggy; rough; furry. L. villosus; 
villus, wool or hair. 

VIMINEOUS. adj. Made of twigs. L. vimineus : vi- 
men, a twig. 

VINCIBLE, adj. Conquerable ; superable. L. vincibi- 
lis: vinco, to conquer. 

VINDICATE, v. To revenge ; to avenge ; to justify ; 
to support, or maintain ; to assert ; to claim with effi- 
cacy. L- vindico: vincio, to bind, and dico, to speak. 

VINDICTIVE, adj. Revengeful. L. vindicta, ven- 
geance.— See VINDICATE. 

VINEGAR, s. Wine grown sour; a vegetable acid,, 
called acetous. F. vinaigre : vin, wine, and aigre, 
sour: L. vinum, and acer. 

VINOUS, adj. Having the qualities of wine; relating 
to a species of fermentation. L. vinosus: vinum,\v'me. 

VINTAGE, s. Season of gathering the grapes and 
making them into wine. F. vin; L. vinum, wine. 



: 



VIN— VIS 

VINTNER, s. One who sells wine. F. vin; L. vinum, 
wine. 

VIOLATE, v. To infringe; to hurt; to injure by irre- 
verence or sacrilege ; to deflower. L. violo, to force : 
vi, abl. of vis, force. 

VIOLENT, adj. Acting with great force ; produced or 
continued by force ; unseasonably vehement ; outrage- 
ous. L. violentus: violo, to force: vi, abl. of vis, force. 

VIPER, s. A serpent of that species which brings forth 
its young alive. L. vivus, alive, and fiario, to bring 
forth. 

VIRAGO, a. A blustering woman; a woman with the 
qualities of a man. L. vir, a man, and ago, to act. 

VIRGO, s. One of the twelve signs of the zodiac. L. 
virgo, a virgin. 

VIRILITY, s. Manhood ; power of procreation. L. i/z- 
r Hit as; vir, a man. 

VIRTUAL, adj. Having the efficacy, without the ma- 
terial part; having the power, without the regular 
authority, of acting. Y.virtuel: L. virtus, force, faculty, 

VIRULENT, adj. Poisonous ; venomous; bitter ; ma- 
lignant. L. virulentus. — See VIRUS. 

VIRUS, s. Infectious principle ; poison. L. 

VISAGE, s. Countenance ; face. F. visage; L. visus: 
visus, (p. part, of video,) seen. 

VIS-A-VIS. *. A species of carriage, in which the pas- 
sengers sit opposite to each other. F. vis a vis, over 
against : visage, a face, a against, visage, a face. 

VISCERA, s. The entrails. L. pi. of viscus, a bowel 
or entrail. 

VISCERATE, v. To disembowel—See VISCERA. 

VISCID, or VISCOUS, adj. Glutinous; sticky; tena- 
cious. L. viscidus: viscus, properly a species of shrub, 
which yields a glutinous substance, called birdlime. 

VISIBLE, adj. Perceptible by the eye; apparent; open; 
conspicuous. L. visibilis. — See VISION. 

VIS IJYER TIM. In physics or mechanics, this is ap- 
plied to the power of a stationary body, resisting that 
which would set it in motion. In morals, it is a figura- 
tive application, and another name for sluggishness, 
or indolence. L. vis, the power, incrtix, (gen. of iner- 
tia,) of lying still. 



VIS— VIV 

VISION, s. Sight; the faculty of seeing; a supernatu- 
ral appearance ; something shown in a dream ; a rhe- 
torical figure by which past events are represented 
as present. F. visions L. visio: visits, p. part, of vi- 
deo, to see. 

VISIONARY, adj. Affected by phantoms ; disposed to 
receive impressions on the imagination; imaginary. 
F. visionaire. — See VISION. 

VISIT, v. To go to see ; to be in the habit of mutual 
salutations at the houses of each other ; (in scriptu- 
ral language,) to send good or evil judicially, L. 
visito, to go often to see : visum, sup. of video, to see. 

VISITATION, s. Formal, or tedious visit ; judicial 
good or evil sent by God. L. visito. — See VISIT. 

VISOR, s. A mask for disguising the face. — See VI- 
SAGE. 

VISUAL, adj. Relating or pertaining to the sight. F. 
visuel; L. visits, sight: from video, to see. 

VITAL, adj. Contributing to life; necessary to life; re- 
lating to life; essential, &c. L. vitalis: vita, life. 

VITALS, s. Parts essential to life.— See VITAL. 

VITIATE, v. To corrupt ; to make less pure. L. vitio: 
vitium, faultiness or deformity. 

VITIOUS, or VICIOUS, adj. Corrupt; wicked; prone 
to vice. L. vitiosus; from vitium, faultiness, deformity. 

VITREOUS, adj. Consisting of glass; resembling 
glass. L. vitreus: vitrum, glass. 

VITRIFY, v. To become glass ; to change into glass. 
F. vitrifier; L. vitrum, glass, and facio, to make. 

VITRIOL, s. This term, which refers to a glassy ap- 
pearance, is no longer used by chemists, but is super- 
seded by that of sulphate: thus, Roman or blue 
vitriol is called sulphate of copper; and green vitriol, or 
copperas, sulphate of iron. F. vitriol; L. vitrum, glass. 

VITUPERATE, v. To blame, or censure. L. vitufiero, 
to blame. 

VIVACIOUS, adj. Long-lived ; lively ; gay. L. viva- 
cis, gen. of vivax: from vivo, to live. 

VIVACITY, s. Liveliness ; gayety ; sprightliness. F. vi- 
vacite: h.vivacis, gen. of vivax, lively: vivo, to live. 

VIVA VOCE. By oral testimony, as opposed to wru> 



VIV— VOL 

ten. L. viva, by a living, voce, voice: abl. of vivus, 
and vox. 

VIVID, adj. Lively ; striking ; sprightly ; active. L. vi- 
vidus: vivo, to live. 

VIVIFY, v. To endue with life. F. vivifier; "L.vivi/lco: 
vivus, alive, smdfacio, to make. 

VIVIPAROUS, adj. Bringing forth the young alive : 
opposed to oviparous. L. vivus, alive, and fiaiHo, to 
bring forth. 

VIZ.— -See VIDELICET. 

VIZOR.— See VISOR. 

VOCABULARY, s. A dictionary; a glossary, or ex- 
planation of obscure terms ; a stock of words. L.voca- 
bularium: vocabulum, a name: voco, to call. 

VOCAL, adj. Uttered by the voice ; intended for the 
voice. L. vocalis: vocis, gen. of vox, the voice. 

VOCATION, s. A calling ; the employment to which 
any one is called by the will of God. L. vocatio: vo- 
catus, p. part, of voco, to call. 

VOCATIVE, adj. Relating to the grammatical case 
used in calling or speaking to. L. vocativus; from 
voco, to call. 
VOIR DIRE. A particular kind of oath. If the court, 
says Blackstone, has any doubt of the age of the party, 
[the witness,] it may take proofs of the fact ; and 
may examine the infant himself, upon an oath of voire 
dire, (veritatem dicere;) that is, to make true an- 
swer to such questions as the court shall demand of 
him. Voire seems to be a Norman corruption of the 
L. verus, true; dire, is from the L. dicere, to say. 

VOLANT, adj. Flying; passing through the air; nimble. 
F. volant; L. volans, part, of volo, fvolare,J to fly. 

VOLATILE, adj. Having the power to pass off by 
spontaneous evaporation ; overlively ; fickle ; of change- 
able mind. L. volatilis: volo, (volUre,) to fly. 

VOLCANO, s. A burning mountain. Italian, from the 
heathen deity, Vulcan, who is poetically related to have 
had his forge in Mount iEtna, where his workmen, the 
Cyclops, made thunderbolts. 
VOLITION, s. Will ; the act of willing ; the power of 
willing exerted. L. volitio; volo, (velle,) to will, or 
be willing. 

[29] 



VOL— .VOT 

VOLLEY, s. A flight of shot ; a discharge of many 
guns at once ; an emission of many at once. F. volee: 
L. volo, (volare,J to fly. 

VOLUBILITY, s. Act or power of rolling ; activity 
or fluency (applied to the tongue, or speech.) L. vo- 
lubilitas.—See VOLUBLE. 

VOLUBLE, adj. Formed so as to roll easily, or be 
easily put in motion; rolling; moving quickly; active 
or fluent, (applied to the tongue, or speech.) L. volu- 
bilis: volutus, p. part, of volvo, to roll. 

VOLUME, s. Something rolled, or convolved ; a book; 
so called, because books were anciently rolled on a 
staff; circumference. L. volumen: volvo, to roll. 

VOLUMINOUS, adj. Consisting of many volumes; 
extensive; copious. — See VOLUME. 

VOLUNTARY, adj. Acting by one's own will, not by 
compulsion, or entreaty ; willing ; spontaneous. L. vo~ 
luntarius: volo fvelle^J to be willing. 

VOLUNTEER, s. One who enters upon any service of 
his own accord. F. volontaire. — See VOLUNTARY. 

VOLUPTUOUS, adj. Given to excess of pleasure ; 
luxurious. L. volujituosus: volufitas, pleasure: volo, 
to be willing. 

VOLUTE. s. That part of the capital of a column 
which is supposed to represent the bark of trees 
twisted into spiral lines, or, according to others, the 
long twisted hair of a female. F. volute; L. volutus, 
p. part, of volvo, to roll. 

VOMIT, v. To throw up from the stomach ; to emit, 
as a volcano. L. vomito, frequentative form, of vomo, 
to spew, or cast up. 

VORACIOUS, adj. Greedy to eat; ravenous; rapa- 
cious. L. vorax, (gen. voracis:) from voro, to devour. 

VORTEX, s. A whirlwind, or whirlpool ; pi. vortexes. 
In the Cartesian philosophy, a system or collection of 
particles of matter, moving the same way, and round 
the same axis ; pi. vortices. L. vortex; from verto, 
to turn. 

VOTARY. s. One devoted, as by a vow, to any parti- 
cular service, worship, study, or state of life. — See 
VOTE. 

VOTE. $. Suffrage ; wish expressed in favour of any 



VOX— ZEP 

person or thing. L. votum: volus, p. part, of voveo, 
to vow, or wish for. 

VOTIVE, adj. Given by vow. L. votivus — See VOTE. 

VOW. v. To consecrate by a solemn dedication ; to 
promise with solemnity. F. vouer; L. voveo, to pray 
or wish for. 

VOWEL, s. A letter which can be fully sounded by it- 
self. F. voyelle; L. vocalis; from vocis, gen. of vox r 
a voice, or sound. 

VOYAGE, s. A journey of discovery; but, in general, 
a long passage by sea: it is also used to express tlie 
ascension and passage of an aeronaut. F. from voir, to 
see. 

VULGAR, adj. Plebeian; suiting or practised amongst 
the common people; (in relation to a language,) nation- 
al : — also, mean; unfashionable. L. vulgaris: vulgus, 
the common people. 

VULNERABLE, adj. Susceptible of wounds ; liable 
to external injuries; not impregnable. L. vulnerabi- 
lis: vulnera, pi. of vulnus, a wound. 

VULPINE, adj. Belonging to a fox. L. vulfiinus: vul- 
/ies 9 a fox. 



W. 

WARRANT, v. To support or maintain ; to attest ; to 
authorize; to justify; to secure. F. garanlir, to in- 
demnify, or defend.— See GUARANTEE. 

WARRANT, s. A writ conferring some right or au- 
thority ; a secure, inviolable grant ; a justificatory 
commission ; evidence. — See the verb. 



Z. 

ZEAL. s. Passionate ardour. L. zelus ; G. zelos: from 

zeo, to be hot. 
ZEALOT, s. One passionately ardent in any cause :— 

generally used in dispraise. G. zelotes. — See ZEAL. 
ZEALOUS, adj. Ardently passionate in any cause.— 

See ZEAL. 
ZEPHYR, s. The west wind; any calm, pleasing wind, 



«... 

ZER— ZOO 

L, zefihyrus ; G. zefihuros ; zoe, life, and jihero, tc 
bring. 

ZERO. s. A term used to signify 0. In thermometers, 
the or zero of Reaumur indicates the freezing point ; 
but in the instruments made according to Fahrenheit, 
the zero is 32 degrees below it. This word is not in 
any English dictionary; but, in the French, is explain- 
ed as a cypher or nought. G. xeros, (vacuus,) void, 
vacant. 

ZEUGMA. *. A figure in grammar, by which a verb, 
agreeing with several nouns, or an adjective with sev- 
eral substantives, is referred to one expressly, and 
understood before the rest : as ; " lust overcame shame, 
— boldness, fear, — and madness, reason." G. zeugma, 
a joining. 

ZODIAC, s. The track of the sun through the twelve 
signs, (the ram, bull, kc. ;) a great circle of the 
sphere, representing the twelve signs. L. zodiacus; 
G. zodiakos; zodioa, (pi. of zodion,) living creatures: 
zao, to live. 

ZONE. s. A girdle; a division of the earth, marked by 
an imaginary girdle or circle. G. zone: zonnuo, to 
gird. 

ZO'OGONIA. s. The production of living creatures: 
pronounced zo-ogonia. G. zoos, living, and gone, an 
offspring. 

ZO'OGRAPHY. s. A written description of animals: 
pronounced zo-ografihy. G. zoos, living, and grafiho, 
to write. 

ZO'OLOGY. s. That part of natural history which re- 
lates to animals: pronounced zo-ology. G. zoos, liv- 
ing, and logos, a word, or description. 

ZO'OPHYTE. s. A natural production which partakes 
of the nature of both a vegetable and animal : pro- 
nounced zo-ofihyte. G. zoos, living, and fihuton, a plant. 

ZOOTOMY, s. Dissection of the bodies of animals: 
pronounced zo-otomy. G. 2:005, living, and teimio, to cut. 



THE END. 



